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Sundarkand — सुंदरकांड (Ramcharitmanas)

The fifth kand of Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas — the tale of Hanuman’s leap to Lanka, the finding of Sita and the burning of Lanka. The most beloved pāṭh for courage, success and the removal of obstacles. Read the complete Awadhi text below with meaning; tap any line to hear it.

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తెలుగుதமிழ்ಕನ್ನಡമലയാളംગુજરાતીবাংলাଓଡ଼ିଆਪੰਜਾਬੀ

Dohā Index

Jump to any dohā, or read the full pāṭh below.

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Complete Sundarkand Pāṭh

Dohā 1 →
Chaupāī

जामवंत के बचन सुहाए। सुनि हनुमंत हृदय अति भाए॥ तब लगि मोहि परिखेहु तुम्ह भाई। सहि दुख कंद मूल फल खाई॥ जब लगि आवौं सीतहि देखी। होइहि काजु मोहि हरष बिसेषी॥ यह कहि नाइ सबन्हि कहुँ माथा। चलेउ हरषि हियँ धरि रघुनाथा॥ सिंधु तीर एक भूधर सुंदर। कौतुक कूदि चढ़ेउ ता ऊपर॥ बार बार रघुबीर सँभारी। तरकेउ पवनतनय बल भारी॥ जेहिं गिरि चरन देइ हनुमंता। चलेउ सो गा पाताल तुरंता॥ जिमि अमोघ रघुपति कर बाना। एही भाँति चलेउ हनुमाना॥ जलनिधि रघुपति दूत बिचारी। तैं मैनाक होहि श्रमहारी॥

Dohā

हनूमान तेहि परसा कर पुनि कीन्ह प्रनाम। राम काजु कीन्हें बिनु मोहि कहाँ बिश्राम॥1॥

MeaningDelighted by Jambavan's words, Hanuman said, "Wait for me, brothers, sustaining yourselves on roots, bulbs and fruits, until I return having seen Sita — the task will be done and I shall have great joy." Bowing to all and enshrining Raghunath in his heart, he set off joyfully. By the seashore stood a fair mountain; sportively he leapt and climbed upon it, and again and again invoking Raghuvira the son of the Wind sprang up with mighty force. The hill on which Hanuman pressed his foot sank at once to the nether world, even as the Lord's unfailing arrow speeds. The ocean, thinking him Rama's envoy, bade Mainaka relieve his fatigue; but Hanuman only touched it with his hand and bowed — "Until I have done Rama's work, where is rest for me?"
Dohā 2 →
Chaupāī

जात पवनसुत देवन्ह देखा। जानैं कहुँ बल बुद्धि बिसेषा॥ सुरसा नाम अहिन्ह कै माता। पठइन्हि आइ कही तेहिं बाता॥ आजु सुरन्ह मोहि दीन्ह अहारा। सुनत बचन कह पवनकुमारा॥ राम काजु करि फिरि मैं आवौं। सीता कइ सुधि प्रभुहि सुनावौं॥ तब तव बदन पैठिहउँ आई। सत्य कहउँ मोहि जान दे माई॥ कबनेहुँ जतन देइ नहिं जाना। ग्रससि न मोहि कहेउ हनुमाना॥ जोजन भरि तेहिं बदनु पसारा। कपि तनु कीन्ह दुगुन बिस्तारा॥ सोरह जोजन मुख तेहिं ठयऊ। तुरत पवनसुत बत्तिस भयऊ॥ जस जस सुरसा बदनु बढ़ावा। तासु दून कपि रूप देखावा॥ सत जोजन तेहिं आनन कीन्हा। अति लघु रूप पवनसुत लीन्हा॥ बदन पइठि पुनि बाहेर आवा। मागा बिदा ताहि सिरु नावा॥ मोहि सुरन्ह जेहि लागि पठावा। बुधि बल मरमु तोर मै पावा॥

Dohā

राम काजु सबु करिहहु तुम्ह बल बुद्धि निधान। आसिष देह गई सो हरषि चलेउ हनुमान॥2॥

MeaningThe gods saw the son of the Wind going and, to test his great strength and wit, sent Surasa, the mother of serpents. She came and said, "Today the gods have given me food." Hearing this, Hanuman said, "Let me return after doing Rama's work and giving the Lord news of Sita; then I shall enter your mouth — truly I say, let me go, mother." When by no means she let him pass, he said, "Then devour me." She stretched her mouth a yojana wide; the monkey doubled his body. She made it sixteen yojanas; at once he became thirty-two. As Surasa enlarged her mouth, the monkey showed double; she made it a hundred yojanas, and he took a tiny form, entered her mouth and came out again, and bowing took leave. "The secret of your wit and strength, for which the gods sent me, I have found out. You will accomplish all of Rama's work, for you are a storehouse of strength and wisdom." Giving this blessing she departed, and Hanuman went on joyfully.
Dohā 3 →
Chaupāī

निसिचरि एक सिंधु महुँ रहई। करि माया नभु के खग गहई॥ जीव जंतु जे गगन उड़ाहीं। जल बिलोकि तिन्ह कै परिछाहीं॥ गहइ छाहँ सक सो न उड़ाई। एहि बिधि सदा गगनचर खाई॥ सोइ छल हनूमान कहँ कीन्हा। तासु कपटु कपि तुरतहिं चीन्हा॥ ताहि मारि मारुतसुत बीरा। बारिधि पार गयउ मतिधीरा॥ तहाँ जाइ देखी बन सोभा। गुंजत चंचरीक मधु लोभा॥ नाना तरु फल फूल सुहाए। खग मृग बृंद देखि मन भाए॥ सैल बिसाल देखि एक आगें। ता पर धाइ चढेउ भय त्यागें॥ उमा न कछु कपि कै अधिकाई। प्रभु प्रताप जो कालहि खाई॥ गिरि पर चढि लंका तेहिं देखी। कहि न जाइ अति दुर्ग बिसेषी॥ अति उतंग जलनिधि चहु पासा। कनक कोट कर परम प्रकासा॥

Chhanda

कनक कोट बिचित्र मनि कृत सुंदरायतना घना। चउहट्ट हट्ट सुबट्ट बीथीं चारु पुर बहु बिधि बना॥ गज बाजि खच्चर निकर पदचर रथ बरूथिन्ह को गनै॥ बहुरूप निसिचर जूथ अतिबल सेन बरनत नहिं बनै॥ बन बाग उपबन बाटिका सर कूप बापीं सोहहीं। नर नाग सुर गंधर्ब कन्या रूप मुनि मन मोहहीं॥ कहुँ माल देह बिसाल सैल समान अतिबल गर्जहीं। नाना अखारेन्ह भिरहिं बहु बिधि एक एकन्ह तर्जहीं॥ करि जतन भट कोटिन्ह बिकट तन नगर चहुँ दिसि रच्छहीं। कहुँ महिष मानषु धेनु खर अज खल निसाचर भच्छहीं॥ एहि लागि तुलसीदास इन्ह की कथा कछु एक है कही। रघुबीर सर तीरथ सरीरन्हि त्यागि गति पैहहिं सही॥

Dohā

पुर रखवारे देखि बहु कपि मन कीन्ह बिचार। अति लघु रूप धरौं निसि नगर करौं पइसार॥3॥

MeaningA demoness lived in the ocean who by magic seized the birds of the sky: spying the shadow on the water of creatures flying above, she would catch the shadow so they could not fly, and thus always devoured the sky-farers. She tried the same trick on Hanuman, but the monkey at once recognized her deceit, slew her, and, firm of mind, crossed to the far shore. There he beheld the forest's beauty — bees humming greedy for honey, trees lovely with fruit and flower, flocks of birds and deer delighting the heart. Seeing a great mountain ahead he ran and climbed it, casting off fear. (Says Shiva: Uma, this is no greatness of the monkey, but the glory of the Lord, which devours even Death.) From the hill he saw Lanka — a mighty fortress beyond words, towering, the ocean on all four sides, its golden ramparts of supreme splendour. Those golden ramparts were set with wondrous gems and crowded with fair mansions; markets, bazaars and lovely streets adorned the city in many ways. Hosts of elephants, horses, mules, footmen and chariots beyond counting, and demon legions of many forms and immense might, defied description. Groves, gardens, orchards, ponds, wells and step-wells gleamed; the maidens of men, nagas, gods and gandharvas bewitched even sages' minds. Here, mountain-like wrestlers of huge frame roared and grappled in many arenas, challenging one another; crores of dread warriors guarded the city on every side; and the vile demons devoured buffaloes, men, cows, donkeys and goats. (For this, says Tulsidas, a little of their tale is told — that by Raghuvira's arrows they shall give up their bodies at that holy spot and surely attain salvation.) Seeing the many guards of the city, the monkey resolved: "Let me take a tiny form and enter the city by night."
Dohā 4 →
Chaupāī

मसक समान रूप कपि धरी। लंकहि चलेउ सुमिरि नरहरी॥ नाम लंकिनी एक निसिचरी। सो कह चलेसि मोहि निंदरी॥ जानेहि नहीं मरमु सठ मोरा। मोर अहार जहाँ लगि चोरा॥ मुठिका एक महा कपि हनी। रुधिर बमत धरनीं ढनमनी॥ पुनि संभारि उठि सो लंका। जोरि पानि कर बिनय संसका॥ जब रावनहि ब्रह्म बर दीन्हा। चलत बिरंचि कहा मोहि चीन्हा॥ बिकल होसि तैं कपि कें मारे। तब जानेसु निसिचर संघारे॥ तात मोर अति पुन्य बहूता। देखेउँ नयन राम कर दूता॥

Dohā

तात स्वर्ग अपबर्ग सुख धरिअ तुला एक अंग। तूल न ताहि सकल मिलि जो सुख लव सतसंग॥4॥

MeaningTaking a form like a mosquito and remembering Narahari (Rama), the monkey moved toward Lanka. A demoness named Lankini (cried), "Who goes here, slighting me? You do not know my secret, fool — whoever (enters by stealth) is my food." The great monkey dealt her one blow; vomiting blood she rolled upon the ground. Then, recovering, she rose and with folded hands humbly said: "When Brahma granted Ravana his boon, at parting the Creator told me the sign — 'When you are distraught, struck by a monkey, then know the demons are destroyed.' Father, my merit is very great — with my own eyes I have beheld Rama's messenger. Son, were one to place on one pan of the scale (all) the bliss of heaven and of liberation, it would not equal the bliss of a single moment's company of the holy (satsang)."
Dohā 5 →
Chaupāī

प्रबिसि नगर कीजे सब काजा। हृदयँ राखि कौसलपुर राजा॥ गरल सुधा रिपु करहिं मिताई। गोपद सिंधु अनल सितलाई॥ गरुड़ सुमेरु रेनू सम ताही। राम कृपा करि चितवा जाही॥ अति लघु रूप धरेउ हनुमाना। पैठा नगर सुमिरि भगवाना॥ मंदिर मंदिर प्रति करि सोधा। देखे जहँ तहँ अगनित जोधा॥ गयउ दसानन मंदिर माहीं। अति बिचित्र कहि जात सो नाहीं॥ सयन किए देखा कपि तेही। मंदिर महुँ न दीखि बैदेही॥ भवन एक पुनि दीख सुहावा। हरि मंदिर तहँ भिन्न बनावा॥

Dohā

रामायुध अंकित गृह सोभा बरनि न जाइ। नव तुलसिका बृंद तहँ देखि हरषि कपिराइ॥5॥

Meaning(Lankini said:) "Enter the city and accomplish all your work, keeping in your heart the King of Kaushalpur (Rama). For one on whom Rama looks with grace, poison becomes nectar, foes become friends, the ocean a cow's hoof-print and fire cool; Garuda becomes like Mount Sumeru, and Sumeru like a speck of dust." Hanuman took a tiny form and, remembering the Lord, entered the city. He searched mansion after mansion, seeing countless warriors here and there. He went into Ravana's palace — exceedingly wondrous, beyond telling — and saw him asleep; but in the palace he did not see Vaidehi (Sita). Then he saw a lovely abode, where a temple of Hari was built apart — its house marked with Rama's weapons (and emblems), of beauty beyond describing. Seeing there fresh tulsi plants, the monkey-king rejoiced.
Dohā 6 →
Chaupāī

लंका निसिचर निकर निवासा। इहाँ कहाँ सज्जन कर बासा॥ मन महुँ तरक करै कपि लागा। तेहीं समय बिभीषनु जागा॥ राम राम तेहिं सुमिरन कीन्हा। हृदयँ हरष कपि सज्जन चीन्हा॥ एहि सन हठि करिहउँ पहिचानी। साधु ते होइ न कारज हानी॥ बिप्र रुप धरि बचन सुनाए। सुनत बिभीषण उठि तहँ आए॥ करि प्रनाम पूँछी कुसलाई। बिप्र कहहु निज कथा बुझाई॥ की तुम्ह हरि दासन्ह महँ कोई। मोरें हृदय प्रीति अति होई॥ की तुम्ह रामु दीन अनुरागी। आयहु मोहि करन बड़भागी॥

Dohā

तब हनुमंत कही सब राम कथा निज नाम। सुनत जुगल तन पुलक मन मगन सुमिरि गुन ग्राम॥6॥

Meaning"Lanka is the dwelling of hordes of demons — how could a holy man have his abode here?" As the monkey reasoned thus, at that very moment Vibhishana awoke and uttered "Rama, Rama." The monkey rejoiced, recognizing a saint: "I will make his acquaintance, for from a sadhu no purpose suffers loss." Taking a brahmin's form he spoke (Rama's name); hearing it, Vibhishana rose and came, and bowing asked after his welfare: "Brahmin, tell me plainly your own tale. Are you one of Hari's servants? — for great love arises in my heart. Or are you Rama himself, lover of the humble, come to make me blessed?" Then Hanuman told all of Rama's story and his own name; hearing it, the bodies of both thrilled with rapture, their minds absorbed, remembering the host of (the Lord's) virtues.
Dohā 7 →
Chaupāī

सुनहु पवनसुत रहनि हमारी। जिमि दसनन्हि महुँ जीभ बिचारी॥ तात कबहुँ मोहि जानि अनाथा। करिहहिं कृपा भानुकुल नाथा॥ तामस तनु कछु साधन नाहीं। प्रीति न पद सरोज मन माहीं॥ अब मोहि भा भरोस हनुमंता। बिनु हरिकृपा मिलहिं नहिं संता॥ जौ रघुबीर अनुग्रह कीन्हा। तौ तुम्ह मोहि दरसु हठि दीन्हा॥ सुनहु बिभीषन प्रभु कै रीती। करहिं सदा सेवक पर प्रीती॥ कहहु कवन मैं परम कुलीना। कपि चंचल सबहीं बिधि हीना॥ प्रात लेइ जो नाम हमारा। तेहि दिन ताहि न मिलै अहारा॥

Dohā

अस मैं अधम सखा सुनु मोहू पर रघुबीर। कीन्ही कृपा सुमिरि गुन भरे बिलोचन नीर॥7॥

Meaning(Vibhishana said:) "Hear my way of life, son of the Wind — like the poor tongue amid the teeth. Some day, knowing me forlorn, the Lord of the Sun-race will show grace. This tamasic body has no means (of sadhana); there is no love for his lotus-feet in my heart. Now I have hope, Hanuman — without Hari's grace one does not meet the saints. If Raghuvira has shown me favour, then you have insistently granted me your sight." "Hear, Vibhishana, the Lord's way: he ever loves his servants. Tell me — what high birth have I? — a fickle monkey, base in every way; one who at dawn takes our name gets no food that day. Such a wretch am I, friend; yet even on me Raghuvira has shown grace." Remembering (the Lord's) virtues, his eyes filled with tears.
Dohā 8 →
Chaupāī

जानतहूँ अस स्वामि बिसारी। फिरहिं ते काहे न होहिं दुखारी॥ एहि बिधि कहत राम गुन ग्रामा। पावा अनिर्बाच्य बिश्रामा॥ पुनि सब कथा बिभीषन कही। जेहि बिधि जनकसुता तहँ रही॥ तब हनुमंत कहा सुनु भ्राता। देखी चहउँ जानकी माता॥ जुगुति बिभीषन सकल सुनाई। चलेउ पवनसुत बिदा कराई॥ करि सोइ रूप गयउ पुनि तहवाँ। बन असोक सीता रह जहवाँ॥ देखि मनहि महुँ कीन्ह प्रनामा। बैठेहिं बीति जात निसि जामा॥ कृस तन सीस जटा एक बेनी। जपति हृदयँ रघुपति गुन श्रेनी॥

Dohā

निज पद नयन दिएँ मन राम पद कमल लीन। परम दुखी भा पवनसुत देखि जानकी दीन॥8॥

Meaning(Vibhishana:) "Though knowing this, forsaking such a Master they wander (in the world) — why should they not be miserable?" Speaking thus of Rama's virtues, he attained ineffable peace. Then Vibhishana told the whole tale — how Janaki dwelt there. Hanuman said, "Listen, brother — I wish to behold Mother Janaki." Vibhishana explained all the means; taking leave, the son of the Wind set off. Taking that same form he went where Sita dwelt in the Ashok grove, and beheld her, bowing in his mind. The watches of the night were passing as she sat — her body wasted, on her head a single matted braid, repeating in her heart the rows of Raghupati's virtues, her eyes fixed on her own feet, her mind absorbed in Rama's lotus-feet. Seeing Janaki so wretched, the son of the Wind became deeply grieved.
Dohā 9 →
Chaupāī

तरु पल्लव महुँ रहा लुकाई। करइ बिचार करौं का भाई॥ तेहि अवसर रावनु तहँ आवा। संग नारि बहु किएँ बनावा॥ बहु बिधि खल सीतहि समुझावा। साम दान भय भेद देखावा॥ कह रावनु सुनु सुमुखि सयानी। मंदोदरी आदि सब रानी॥ तव अनुचरीं करउँ पन मोरा। एक बार बिलोकु मम ओरा॥ तृन धरि ओट कहति बैदेही। सुमिरि अवधपति परम सनेही॥ सुनु दसमुख खद्योत प्रकासा। कबहुँ कि नलिनी करइ बिकासा॥ अस मन समुझु कहति जानकी। खल सुधि नहिं रघुबीर बान की॥ सठ सूने हरि आनेहि मोहि। अधम निलज्ज लाज नहिं तोही॥

Dohā

आपुहि सुनि खद्योत सम रामहि भानु समान। परुष बचन सुनि काढ़ि असि बोला अति खिसिआन॥9॥

MeaningHe stayed hidden among the leaves of a tree, thinking, "What shall I do, brother?" At that time Ravana came there with many women in great finery and admonished Sita in many ways, showing conciliation, bribery, fear and division. Ravana said, "Listen, fair and wise lady; I will make Mandodari and all the queens your handmaids — this is my vow; just once look toward me." Holding a blade of grass as a screen, Vaidehi spoke, remembering the most beloved Lord of Avadh: "Listen, Ten-faced one — can the glow-worm's light ever make the lotus bloom? Think this in your mind," says Janaki. "O wretch, you have no knowledge of Raghuvira's arrow. Fool, you have carried me off by stealth to a lonely place; base and shameless, have you no shame?" Hearing himself (likened) to a glow-worm and Rama to the sun, and these harsh words, he drew his sword and spoke, greatly enraged.
Dohā 10 →
Chaupāī

सीता तैं मम कृत अपमाना। कटिहउँ तव सिर कठिन कृपाना॥ नाहिं त सपदि मानु मम बानी। सुमुखि होति न त जीवन हानी॥ स्याम सरोज दाम सम सुंदर। प्रभु भुज करि कर सम दसकंधर॥ सो भुज कंठ कि तव असि घोरा। सुनु सठ अस प्रवान पन मोरा॥ चंद्रहास हरु मम परितापं। रघुपति बिरह अनल संजातं॥ सीतल निसित बहसि बर धारा। कह सीता हरु मम दुख भारा॥ सुनत बचन पुनि मारन धावा। मयतनयाँ कहि नीति बुझावा॥ कहेसि सकल निसिचरिन्ह बोलाई। सीतहि बहु बिधि त्रासहु जाई॥ मास दिवस महुँ कहा न माना। तौ मैं मारबि काढ़ि कृपाना॥

Dohā

भवन गयउ दसकंधर इहाँ पिसाचिनि बृंद। सीतहि त्रास देखावहि धरहिं रूप बहु मंद॥10॥

Meaning"Sita, you have insulted me; I will cut off your head with this cruel sword. If not, then quickly heed my words, fair one — else your life is forfeit." (Sita said:) "The Lord's arm — lovely as a wreath of dark-blue lotuses, like an elephant's trunk — (alone befits) my neck; (can) your dreadful sword (compare)? Listen, fool, such is my firm resolve." (To the sword she said:) "O Chandrahasa, remove my torment, born of the fire of separation from Raghupati; you flow a cool, sharp, excellent stream — take away my heavy sorrow." Hearing this he ran again to kill her; Maya's daughter (Mandodari) restrained him with counsel. He summoned all the demonesses and said, "Go, terrify Sita in every way; if within a month she does not heed my word, I will draw my sword and slay her." The Ten-headed one went to his palace; here the hordes of she-demons, taking many vile forms, showed Sita terror.
Dohā 11 →
Chaupāī

त्रिजटा नाम राच्छसी एका। राम चरन रति निपुन बिबेका॥ सबन्हौ बोलि सुनाएसि सपना। सीतहि सेइ करहु हित अपना॥ सपनें बानर लंका जारी। जातुधान सेना सब मारी॥ खर आरूढ़ नगन दससीसा। मुंडित सिर खंडित भुज बीसा॥ एहि बिधि सो दच्छिन दिसि जाई। लंका मनहुँ बिभीषन पाई॥ नगर फिरी रघुबीर दोहाई। तब प्रभु सीता बोलि पठाई॥ यह सपना में कहउँ पुकारी। होइहि सत्य गएँ दिन चारी॥ तासु बचन सुनि ते सब डरीं। जनकसुता के चरनन्हि परीं॥

Dohā

जहँ तहँ गईं सकल तब सीता कर मन सोच। मास दिवस बीतें मोहि मारिहि निसिचर पोच॥11॥

MeaningThere was a demoness named Trijata, skilled in wisdom and devoted to Rama's feet. She called all (the demonesses) and told them a dream: "Serve Sita and do your own good. In my dream a monkey burned Lanka and slew all the demon army; the Ten-headed one rode a donkey, naked, his head shaved, his twenty arms cut off; thus he went toward the south, as though Vibhishana had won Lanka. Round the city (Vibhishana) proclaimed Raghuvira's triumph; then the Lord sent for Sita. This dream I declare aloud — it will come true after four days." Hearing her words they were all frightened and fell at Janaki's feet. When all had gone here and there, Sita's mind grieved: "After a month has passed, the vile demon will slay me."
Dohā 12 →
Chaupāī

त्रिजटा सन बोली कर जोरी। मातु बिपति संगिनि तैं मोरी॥ तजौं देह करु बेगि उपाई। दुसहु बिरहु अब नहिं सहि जाई॥ आनि काठ रचु चिता बनाई। मातु अनल पुनि देहि लगाई॥ सत्य करहि मम प्रीति सयानी। सुनै को श्रवन सूल सम बानी॥ सुनत बचन पद गहि समुझाएसि। प्रभु प्रताप बल सुजसु सुनाएसि॥ निसि न अनल मिल सुनु सुकुमारी। अस कहि सो निज भवन सिधारी॥ कह सीता बिधि भा प्रतिकूला। मिलहि न पावक मिटिहि न सूला॥ देखिअत प्रगट गगन अंगारा। अवनि न आवत एकउ तारा॥ पावकमय ससि स्त्रवत न आगी। मानहुँ मोहि जानि हतभागी॥ सुनहि बिनय मम बिटप असोका। सत्य नाम करु हरु मम सोका॥ नूतन किसलय अनल समाना। देहि अगिनि जनि करहि निदाना॥ देखि परम बिरहाकुल सीता। सो छन कपिहि कलप सम बीता॥

Dohā

कपि करि हृदयँ बिचार दीन्हि मुद्रिका डारी तब। जनु असोक अंगार दीन्हि हरषि उठि कर गहेउ॥12॥

MeaningWith folded hands she said to Trijata, "Mother, you are the companion of my misfortune. Quickly devise some means that I may give up this body; the unbearable separation can no longer be borne. Bring wood, build a pyre, and set it alight, mother; make true my love, O wise one — who can hear words that pierce the ear like a thorn?" Hearing this, (Trijata) clasped her feet, consoled her, and told of the Lord's glory and might: "At night fire is not to be had, listen, tender one," and so saying went home. Sita said, "Fate has turned against me — neither will fire be found nor my anguish end. Embers appear plainly in the sky, yet not one star falls to earth; the moon is full of fire, yet sheds no flame, as though it knows me ill-fated. Hear my prayer, O Ashoka tree — make your name true and take away my sorrow; your fresh sprouts are like fire — give me fire, and do not (prolong my) agony." Seeing Sita so distraught with separation, that moment passed for the monkey like an age. Reflecting in his heart, the monkey then dropped down the signet-ring; as though Ashoka had given her an ember, she rose rejoicing and took it in her hand.
Dohā 13 →
Chaupāī

तब देखी मुद्रिका मनोहर। राम नाम अंकित अति सुंदर॥ चकित चितव मुदरी पहिचानी। हरष बिषाद हृदयँ अकुलानी॥ जीति को सकइ अजय रघुराई। माया तें असि रचि नहिं जाई॥ सीता मन बिचार कर नाना। मधुर बचन बोलेउ हनुमाना॥ रामचंद्र गुन बरनैं लागा। सुनतहिं सीता कर दुख भागा॥ लागीं सुनैं श्रवन मन लाई। आदिहु तें सब कथा सुनाई॥ श्रवनामृत जेहिं कथा सुहाई। कहि सो प्रगट होति किन भाई॥ तब हनुमंत निकट चलि गयऊ। फिरि बैंठीं मन बिसमय भयऊ॥ राम दूत मैं मातु जानकी। सत्य सपथ करुनानिधान की॥ यह मुद्रिका मातु मैं आनी। दीन्हि राम तुम्ह कहँ सहिदानी॥ नर बानरहि संग कहु कैसें। कहि कथा भइ संगति जैसें॥

Dohā

कपि के बचन सप्रेम सुनि उपजा मन बिस्वास॥ जाना मन क्रम बचन यह कृपासिंधु कर दास॥13॥

MeaningThen she saw the lovely ring, marked with Rama's name, exceedingly beautiful. Astonished, she gazed and, recognizing it, joy and sorrow troubled her heart: "Who can conquer the unconquerable Raghuraja? Such a thing cannot be fashioned by maya." As Sita pondered, Hanuman spoke sweet words and began to recount Ramachandra's virtues; as she listened, Sita's grief fled. She listened with mind and ears intent as he told the whole tale from the beginning. "He whose lovely story is nectar to the ears — why does he not appear, brother?" Then Hanuman drew near; she turned and sat down, her mind filled with wonder. "I am Rama's messenger, Mother Janaki — true by the oath of the Ocean of Mercy. This ring I have brought, Mother; Rama gave it to you as a token. How (came about) the company of a man and a monkey? — I will tell." He told how the alliance came to be. Hearing the monkey's loving words, trust arose in her mind; she knew in thought, word and deed that he was the servant of the Ocean of Mercy.
Dohā 14 →
Chaupāī

हरिजन जानि प्रीति अति गाढ़ी। सजल नयन पुलकावलि बाढ़ी॥ बूड़त बिरह जलधि हनुमाना। भयउ तात मों कहुँ जलजाना॥ अब कहु कुसल जाउँ बलिहारी। अनुज सहित सुख भवन खरारी॥ कोमलचित कृपाल रघुराई। कपि केहि हेतु धरी निठुराई॥ सहज बानि सेवक सुख दायक। कबहुँक सुरति करत रघुनायक॥ कबहुँ नयन मम सीतल ताता। होइहहि निरखि स्याम मृदु गाता॥ बचनु न आव नयन भरे बारी। अहह नाथ हौं निपट बिसारी॥ देखि परम बिरहाकुल सीता। बोला कपि मृदु बचन बिनीता॥ मातु कुसल प्रभु अनुज समेता। तव दुख दुखी सुकृपा निकेता॥ जनि जननी मानहु जियँ ऊना। तुम्ह ते प्रेमु राम कें दूना॥

Dohā

रघुपति कर संदेसु अब सुनु जननी धरि धीर। अस कहि कपि गद गद भयउ भरे बिलोचन नीर॥14॥

MeaningKnowing him a servant of Hari, her love grew very deep; her eyes brimmed and a thrill of rapture rose. "Hanuman, you have become a ship for me, drowning in the ocean of separation. Now tell me — I am a sacrifice to you — is the foe of Khara (Rama) well, with his brother, the abode of bliss? The tender, merciful Raghuraja — for what reason, monkey, has he assumed such hardness? By nature the giver of joy to his servants — does the Lord of Raghus ever remember (me)? Will my eyes ever be cooled, son, beholding his dark, soft limbs?" No word would come; her eyes filled with water — "Alas, Lord, you have utterly forgotten me." Seeing Sita so distraught, the monkey spoke gentle, humble words: "Mother, the Lord is well, with his brother — grieved by your grief, the abode of compassion. Do not feel diminished in your heart, Mother; Rama's love for you is twice your love for him. Now hear Raghupati's message, Mother, taking courage." So saying, the monkey was choked with emotion, his eyes filled with tears.
Dohā 15 →
Chaupāī

कहेउ राम बियोग तव सीता। मो कहुँ सकल भए बिपरीता॥ नव तरु किसलय मनहुँ कृसानू। कालनिसा सम निसि ससि भानू॥ कुबलय बिपिन कुंत बन सरिसा। बारिद तपत तेल जनु बरिसा॥ जे हित रहे करत तेइ पीरा। उरग स्वास सम त्रिबिध समीरा॥ कहेहू तें कछु दुख घटि होई। काहि कहौं यह जान न कोई॥ तत्व प्रेम कर मम अरु तोरा। जानत प्रिया एकु मनु मोरा॥ सो मनु सदा रहत तोहि पाहीं। जानु प्रीति रसु एतेनहि माहीं॥ प्रभु संदेसु सुनत बैदेही। मगन प्रेम तन सुधि नहिं तेही॥ कह कपि हृदयँ धीर धरु माता। सुमिरु राम सेवक सुखदाता॥ उर आनहु रघुपति प्रभुताई। सुनि मम बचन तजहु कदराई॥

Dohā

निसिचर निकर पतंग सम रघुपति बान कृसानु। जननी हृदयँ धीर धरु जरे निसाचर जानु॥15॥

Meaning"Rama said: 'O Sita, in your separation all things have turned contrary to me — the fresh sprouts of trees are like fire, the moonlit night like the night of doom, the moon like the sun; the bed of blue lotuses like a forest of spears, the cloud raining as if hot oil; those who were friendly now give pain, the gentle threefold breeze like a serpent's breath. Even by telling the grief might be a little eased — but to whom shall I tell it? No one knows it. The truth of the love between me and you, my dear — only my mind knows it, and that mind ever stays with you; know the essence of (our) love to be just this.'" Hearing the Lord's message, Vaidehi was so absorbed in love she lost awareness of her body. The monkey said, "Take courage in your heart, Mother; remember Rama, the giver of joy to his servants. Bring Raghupati's might to mind, and hearing my words cast off faintheartedness. The hordes of demons are like moths, Raghupati's arrows the fire; take courage in your heart, Mother — count the demons (already) burnt."
Dohā 16 →
Chaupāī

जौं रघुबीर होति सुधि पाई। करते नहिं बिलंबु रघुराई॥ रामबान रबि उएँ जानकी। तम बरूथ कहँ जातुधान की॥ अबहिं मातु मैं जाउँ लवाई। प्रभु आयसु नहिं राम दोहाई॥ कछुक दिवस जननी धरु धीरा। कपिन्ह सहित अइहहिं रघुबीरा॥ निसिचर मारि तोहि लै जैहहिं। तिहुँ पुर नारदादि जसु गैहहिं॥ हैं सुत कपि सब तुम्हहि समाना। जातुधान अति भट बलवाना॥ मोरें हृदय परम संदेहा। सुनि कपि प्रगट कीन्ह निज देहा॥ कनक भूधराकार सरीरा। समर भयंकर अतिबल बीरा॥ सीता मन भरोस तब भयऊ। पुनि लघु रूप पवनसुत लयऊ॥

Dohā

सुनु माता साखामृग नहिं बल बुद्धि बिसाल। प्रभु प्रताप तें गरुड़हि खाइ परम लघु ब्याल॥16॥

Meaning(Hanuman said:) "Had Raghuvira got the news, he would not delay. When Rama's arrow-sun rises, where (will be) the demons' host of darkness, Janaki? Even now, Mother, let me carry you away — but without the Lord's command, by Rama's oath (I may not). Hold patience a few days, Mother; Raghuvira will come with the monkeys, slay the demons and bear you off, and in all three worlds Narada and the rest will sing your glory." (Sita said:) "But son, are all the monkeys like you? The demons are mighty warriors — great is the doubt in my heart." Hearing this, the monkey revealed his own form — golden and mountain-like, terrible in battle, a hero of immense might. Then Sita's mind gained confidence, and the son of the Wind took the tiny form again. "Listen, Mother — a tree-creature has no great strength or wit; but by the Lord's power even a tiny serpent (can) devour Garuda."
Dohā 17 →
Chaupāī

मन संतोष सुनत कपि बानी। भगति प्रताप तेज बल सानी॥ आसिष दीन्हि रामप्रिय जाना। होहु तात बल सील निधाना॥ अजर अमर गुननिधि सुत होहू। करहुँ बहुत रघुनायक छोहू॥ करहुँ कृपा प्रभु अस सुनि काना। निर्भर प्रेम मगन हनुमाना॥ बार बार नाएसि पद सीसा। बोला बचन जोरि कर कीसा॥ अब कृतकृत्य भयउँ मैं माता। आसिष तव अमोघ बिख्याता॥ सुनहु मातु मोहि अतिसय भूखा। लागि देखि सुंदर फल रूखा॥ सुनु सुत करहिं बिपिन रखवारी। परम सुभट रजनीचर भारी॥ तिन्ह कर भय माता मोहि नाहीं। जौं तुम्ह सुख मानहु मन माहीं॥

Dohā

देखि बुद्धि बल निपुन कपि कहेउ जानकीं जाहु। रघुपति चरन हृदयँ धरि तात मधुर फल खाहु॥17॥

MeaningHearing the monkey's words — steeped in devotion, glory and might — her mind was content. Knowing him Rama's beloved, she blessed him: "Son, be a storehouse of strength and virtue; be ageless, immortal, a treasury of merits, my son; may Raghunath show you abundant grace." Hearing with his ears "may the Lord be gracious," Hanuman was lost in boundless love. Again and again he bowed his head at her feet and with folded hands said, "Now I am fulfilled, Mother — your blessing is famed as unfailing. Listen, Mother, I am very hungry, seeing these trees with lovely fruit." "Son, mighty demon warriors guard the grove." "I have no fear of them, Mother, if you feel glad at heart." Seeing the monkey skilled in wit and strength, Janaki said, "Go; keeping Raghupati's feet in your heart, son, eat the sweet fruit."
Dohā 18 →
Chaupāī

चलेउ नाइ सिरु पैठेउ बागा। फल खाएसि तरु तोरैं लागा॥ रहे तहाँ बहु भट रखवारे। कछु मारेसि कछु जाइ पुकारे॥ नाथ एक आवा कपि भारी। तेहिं असोक बाटिका उजारी॥ खाएसि फल अरु बिटप उपारे। रच्छक मर्दि मर्दि महि डारे॥ सुनि रावन पठए भट नाना। तिन्हहि देखि गर्जेउ हनुमाना॥ सब रजनीचर कपि संघारे। गए पुकारत कछु अधमारे॥ पुनि पठयउ तेहिं अच्छकुमारा। चला संग लै सुभट अपारा॥ आवत देखि बिटप गहि तर्जा। ताहि निपाति महाधुनि गर्जा॥

Dohā

कछु मारेसि कछु मर्देसि कछु मिलएसि धरि धूरि। कछु पुनि जाइ पुकारे प्रभु मर्कट बल भूरि॥18॥

MeaningBowing his head he set off and entered the garden; he ate the fruit and began breaking the trees. Many warrior-guards were there; some he slew, and some went and cried out: "Lord, a huge monkey has come and laid waste the Ashok grove — he ate the fruit, uprooted the trees and crushed the guards to the ground." Hearing this Ravana sent many warriors; seeing them Hanuman roared. The monkey slew all the demons; some, half-dead, went crying out. Then (Ravana) sent Akshaya Kumar, who went taking countless fine warriors. Seeing him come, (Hanuman) seized a tree and threatened him, struck him down, and roared with a mighty sound. Some he killed, some he crushed, some he ground to dust; and some again went and cried to the Lord (of) the monkey's vast strength.
Dohā 19 →
Chaupāī

सुनि सुत बध लंकेस रिसाना। पठएसि मेघनाद बलवाना॥ मारसि जनि सुत बांधेसु ताही। देखिअ कपिहि कहाँ कर आही॥ चला इंद्रजित अतुलित जोधा। बंधु निधन सुनि उपजा क्रोधा॥ कपि देखा दारुन भट आवा। कटकटाइ गर्जा अरु धावा॥ अति बिसाल तरु एक उपारा। बिरथ कीन्ह लंकेस कुमारा॥ रहे महाभट ताके संगा। गहि गहि कपि मर्दइ निज अंगा॥ तिन्हहि निपाति ताहि सन बाजा। भिरे जुगल मानहुँ गजराजा। मुठिका मारि चढ़ा तरु जाई। ताहि एक छन मुरुछा आई॥ उठि बहोरि कीन्हिसि बहु माया। जीति न जाइ प्रभंजन जाया॥

Dohā

ब्रह्म अस्त्र तेहिं साँधा कपि मन कीन्ह बिचार। जौं न ब्रह्मसर मानउँ महिमा मिटइ अपार॥19॥

MeaningHearing of his son's death the lord of Lanka raged and sent the mighty Meghnad: "Do not slay him, son, but bind him; let us see this monkey — whence is he?" Indrajit, the matchless warrior, set off, wrath arisen at his brother's death. The monkey saw the terrible warrior come; gnashing his teeth he roared and charged. He uprooted a huge tree and made the prince of Lanka chariotless; the great warriors with him he seized and crushed against his own limbs. Felling them he closed with (Meghnad); the two grappled like two lordly elephants. Dealing a fist-blow he climbed a tree; for a moment (Meghnad) swooned. Rising again he worked much maya; the son of the Wind could not be conquered. He fixed the Brahma-astra (on his bow); the monkey thought, "If I do not honour the Brahma-arrow, its boundless glory will be lost."
Dohā 20 →
Chaupāī

ब्रह्मबान कपि कहुँ तेहि मारा। परतिहुँ बार कटकु संघारा॥ तेहि देखा कपि मुरुछित भयऊ। नागपास बाँधेसि लै गयऊ॥ जासु नाम जपि सुनहु भवानी। भव बंधन काटहिं नर ग्यानी॥ तासु दूत कि बंध तरु आवा। प्रभु कारज लगि कपिहिं बँधावा॥ कपि बंधन सुनि निसिचर धाए। कौतुक लागि सभाँ सब आए॥ दसमुख सभा दीखि कपि जाई। कहि न जाइ कछु अति प्रभुताई॥ कर जोरें सुर दिसिप बिनीता। भृकुटि बिलोकत सकल सभीता॥ देखि प्रताप न कपि मन संका। जिमि अहिगन महुँ गरुड़ असंका॥

Dohā

कपिहि बिलोकि दसानन बिहसा कहि दुर्बाद। सुत बध सुरति कीन्हि पुनि उपजा हृदयँ बिषाद॥20॥

MeaningHe struck the monkey with the Brahma-arrow; yet (even) falling, he destroyed the army. Seeing the monkey become senseless, (Meghnad) bound him with the serpent-noose and took him away. (Says Shiva:) Listen, Bhavani — by repeating whose name wise men cut the bonds of birth, can his messenger come into bondage? For the Lord's work the monkey let himself be bound. Hearing of the monkey's binding the demons ran; all came to the court out of curiosity. The monkey went and beheld the Ten-faced one's court, its great majesty beyond telling: gods and guardians of the quarters stood with folded hands, humble and afraid, watching (Ravana's) brows. Beholding (his) might the monkey's mind had no fear, as Garuda is fearless among hosts of serpents. Beholding the monkey, the Ten-faced one laughed and spoke abuse; then, recalling his son's death, sorrow arose in his heart.
Dohā 21 →
Chaupāī

कह लंकेस कवन तैं कीसा। केहिं के बल घालेहि बन खीसा॥ की धौं श्रवन सुनेहि नहिं मोही। देखउँ अति असंक सठ तोही॥ मारे निसिचर केहिं अपराधा। कहु सठ तोहि न प्रान कइ बाधा॥ सुन रावन ब्रह्मांड निकाया। पाइ जासु बल बिरचित माया॥ जाकें बल बिरंचि हरि ईसा। पालत सृजत हरत दससीसा। जा बल सीस धरत सहसानन। अंडकोस समेत गिरि कानन॥ धरइ जो बिबिध देह सुरत्राता। तुम्ह ते सठन्ह सिखावनु दाता। हर कोदंड कठिन जेहि भंजा। तेहि समेत नृप दल मद गंजा॥ खर दूषन त्रिसिरा अरु बाली। बधे सकल अतुलित बलसाली॥

Dohā

जाके बल लवलेस तें जितेहु चराचर झारि। तासु दूत मैं जा करि हरि आनेहु प्रिय नारि॥21॥

MeaningThe lord of Lanka said, "Who are you, monkey? By whose strength did you lay the grove waste? Or have you not heard of me, that I see you so utterly fearless, fool? For what offence did you kill the demons? Tell, fool — is your life not in peril?" "Listen, Ravana — He on whose strength rests the host of universes, by whose power Maya is fashioned; by whose strength Brahma, Hari and Shiva create, sustain and destroy, O Ten-headed one; by whose strength the thousand-mouthed Shesha bears the cosmic egg with its mountains and forests on his head; who takes manifold forms to protect the gods, and is the giver of instruction to fools like you; who broke Shiva's mighty bow and crushed the pride of the host of kings; who slew Khara, Dushana, Trishira and Bali, all of matchless might — by a mere trace of whose strength you conquered the whole moving and unmoving world: I am the messenger of that (Lord) whose beloved wife you have carried off."
Dohā 22 →
Chaupāī

जानउँ मैं तुम्हारि प्रभुताई। सहसबाहु सन परी लराई॥ समर बालि सन करि जसु पावा। सुनि कपि बचन बिहसि बिहरावा॥ खायउँ फल प्रभु लागी भूँखा। कपि सुभाव तें तोरेउँ रूखा॥ सब कें देह परम प्रिय स्वामी। मारहिं मोहि कुमारग गामी॥ जिन्ह मोहि मारा ते मैं मारे। तेहि पर बाँधेउ तनयँ तुम्हारे॥ मोहि न कछु बाँधे कइ लाजा। कीन्ह चहउँ निज प्रभु कर काजा॥ बिनती करउँ जोरि कर रावन। सुनहु मान तजि मोर सिखावन॥ देखहु तुम्ह निज कुलहि बिचारी। भ्रम तजि भजहु भगत भय हारी॥ जाकें डर अति काल डेराई। जो सुर असुर चराचर खाई॥ तासों बयरु कबहुँ नहिं कीजै। मोरे कहें जानकी दीजै॥

Dohā

प्रनतपाल रघुनायक करुना सिंधु खरारि। गएँ सरन प्रभु राखिहैं तव अपराध बिसारि॥22॥

Meaning"I know your might — the battle you had with Sahasrabahu, and the fame you won fighting Bali." Hearing the monkey's words, (Ravana) laughed and made light of them. "I ate the fruit, Lord, being hungry, and by a monkey's nature broke the trees. To all their body is most dear, master; (yet) the evildoers struck me; those who struck me, I struck — thereon your son bound me. I feel no shame at being bound; I only wish to do my Lord's work. With folded hands I make a plea, Ravana: give up pride and hear my counsel. Consider your own (noble) lineage; cast off delusion and worship (Rama), who removes the devotees' fear. He of whom even Death is sore afraid, who devours gods, demons and all that moves and is unmoving — with him never make enmity; at my word, give back Janaki. Raghunath, protector of suppliants, the Ocean of Mercy, foe of Khara — on your taking refuge the Lord will protect you, forgiving your offence."
Dohā 23 →
Chaupāī

राम चरन पंकज उर धरहू। लंका अचल राज तुम्ह करहू॥ रिषि पुलिस्त जसु बिमल मंयका। तेहि ससि महुँ जनि होहु कलंका॥ राम नाम बिनु गिरा न सोहा। देखु बिचारि त्यागि मद मोहा॥ बसन हीन नहिं सोह सुरारी। सब भूषण भूषित बर नारी॥ राम बिमुख संपति प्रभुताई। जाइ रही पाई बिनु पाई॥ सजल मूल जिन्ह सरितन्ह नाहीं। बरषि गए पुनि तबहिं सुखाहीं॥ सुनु दसकंठ कहउँ पन रोपी। बिमुख राम त्राता नहिं कोपी॥ संकर सहस बिष्नु अज तोही। सकहिं न राखि राम कर द्रोही॥

Dohā

मोहमूल बहु सूल प्रद त्यागहु तम अभिमान। भजहु राम रघुनायक कृपा सिंधु भगवान॥23॥

Meaning"Set Rama's lotus-feet in your heart and reign over Lanka unshaken. The fame of the sage Pulastya (your line) is a spotless moon — do not become a stain on that moon. Without Rama's name speech is not graceful; consider this, casting off pride and delusion. As a fair woman decked with every ornament looks not lovely without raiment, O foe of the gods, so the wealth and lordship of one averse to Rama, even when gained, is as if not gained and departs — like rivers without a perennial source, which dry up as soon as the rains pass. Listen, Ten-throated one, I declare with a vow: for one averse to Rama there is no protector, even if (Rama be) angered (with him); a thousand Shankaras, Vishnus and Brahmas cannot save the foe of Rama. Give up dark pride — the root of delusion and giver of much pain — and worship Rama, Lord of Raghus, the Ocean of Mercy, the Lord God."
Dohā 24 →
Chaupāī

जदपि कहि कपि अति हित बानी। भगति बिबेक बिरति नय सानी॥ बोला बिहसि महा अभिमानी। मिला हमहि कपि गुर बड़ ग्यानी॥ मृत्यु निकट आई खल तोही। लागेसि अधम सिखावन मोही॥ उलटा होइहि कह हनुमाना। मतिभ्रम तोर प्रगट मैं जाना॥ सुनि कपि बचन बहुत खिसिआना। बेगि न हरहुँ मूढ़ कर प्राना॥ सुनत निसाचर मारन धाए। सचिवन्ह सहित बिभीषनु आए। नाइ सीस करि बिनय बहूता। नीति बिरोध न मारिअ दूता॥ आन दंड कछु करिअ गोसाँई। सबहीं कहा मंत्र भल भाई॥ सुनत बिहसि बोला दसकंधर। अंग भंग करि पठइअ बंदर॥

Dohā

कपि कें ममता पूँछ पर सबहि कहउँ समुझाइ। तेल बोरि पट बाँधि पुनि पावक देहु लगाइ॥24॥

MeaningThough the monkey spoke most salutary words — steeped in devotion, discernment, dispassion and policy — the great egoist laughed and said, "We have found a monkey for a great wise guru! Death has come near you, wretch, that you set about instructing me, base one." "It will turn out the reverse," said Hanuman, "I clearly know your wits are deluded." Hearing the monkey's words (Ravana) was greatly nettled: "Why do I not quickly take this fool's life?" As the demons ran to kill (him), Vibhishana came with the ministers and, bowing his head, made much entreaty: "A messenger is not to be slain — that is against policy. Inflict some other punishment, master." All said, "Good counsel, brother." Hearing it, the Ten-faced one laughed and said, "Send the monkey back with his limbs maimed. A monkey's love is for his tail — I tell you all, mark it: wrap it in oil-soaked rags and then set it alight."
Dohā 25 →
Chaupāī

पूँछहीन बानर तहँ जाइहि। तब सठ निज नाथहि लइ आइहि॥ जिन्ह कै कीन्हसि बहुत बड़ाई। देखेउँमैं तिन्ह कै प्रभुताई॥ बचन सुनत कपि मन मुसुकाना। भइ सहाय सारद मैं जाना॥ जातुधान सुनि रावन बचना। लागे रचैं मूढ़ सोइ रचना॥ रहा न नगर बसन घृत तेला। बाढ़ी पूँछ कीन्ह कपि खेला॥ कौतुक कहँ आए पुरबासी। मारहिं चरन करहिं बहु हाँसी॥ बाजहिं ढोल देहिं सब तारी। नगर फेरि पुनि पूँछ प्रजारी॥ पावक जरत देखि हनुमंता। भयउ परम लघु रुप तुरंता॥ निबुकि चढ़ेउ कपि कनक अटारीं। भई सभीत निसाचर नारीं॥

Dohā

हरि प्रेरित तेहि अवसर चले मरुत उनचास। अट्टहास करि गर्ज़ा कपि बढ़ि लाग अकास॥25॥

Meaning"The tailless monkey will go there, and then the fool will bring his master, of whose greatness he made so much; I shall see their might too." Hearing this, the monkey smiled in his mind: "Saraswati has come to my aid, I know." Hearing Ravana's words, the demon fools set about that very task. No cloth, ghee or oil was left in the city; the tail grew (long) — the monkey made sport. The city-folk came to see the spectacle, kicked him and mocked much; drums beat, all clapped, and parading him round the city they set his tail alight. Seeing the fire blaze, Hanuman at once became exceedingly small; slipping free, the monkey climbed the golden mansions, and the demon-women were terrified. At that moment, impelled by Hari, the forty-nine winds blew; with a loud laugh the monkey roared and grew till he reached the sky.
Dohā 26 →
Chaupāī

देह बिसाल परम हरुआई। मंदिर तें मंदिर चढ़ धाई॥ जरइ नगर भा लोग बिहाला। झपट लपट बहु कोटि कराला॥ तात मातु हा सुनिअ पुकारा। एहि अवसर को हमहि उबारा॥ हम जो कहा यह कपि नहिं होई। बानर रूप धरें सुर कोई॥ साधु अवग्या कर फलु ऐसा। जरइ नगर अनाथ कर जैसा॥ जारा नगरु निमिष एक माहीं। एक बिभीषन कर गृह नाहीं॥ ता कर दूत अनल जेहिं सिरिजा। जरा न सो तेहि कारन गिरिजा॥ उलटि पलटि लंका सब जारी। कूदि परा पुनि सिंधु मझारी॥

Dohā

पूँछ बुझाइ खोइ श्रम धरि लघु रूप बहोरि। जनकसुता के आगें ठाढ़ भयउ कर जोरि॥26॥

MeaningHis body huge yet very light, he ran leaping from mansion to mansion; the city burned, the people were distraught, terrible flames leaping by the crores. "O father! O mother!" — such cries were heard — "Who will save us at this hour? We said this is no (mere) monkey; some god has taken a monkey's form. Such is the fruit of contempt for the holy — the city burns like one without a protector." He burned the city in a single moment; only Vibhishana's house was (spared). He whose messenger created fire — for that reason, O Girija, he was not burned. Turning and overturning he burned all Lanka, then leapt into the ocean. Quenching his tail and shedding fatigue, taking the tiny form again, he stood before Janaki's daughter with folded hands.
Dohā 27 →
Chaupāī

मातु मोहि दीजे कछु चीन्हा। जैसें रघुनायक मोहि दीन्हा॥ चूड़ामनि उतारि तब दयऊ। हरष समेत पवनसुत लयऊ॥ कहेहु तात अस मोर प्रनामा। सब प्रकार प्रभु पूरनकामा॥ दीन दयाल बिरिदु संभारी। हरहु नाथ मम संकट भारी॥ तात सक्रसुत कथा सुनाएहु। बान प्रताप प्रभुहि समुझाएहु॥ मास दिवस महुँ नाथु न आवा। तौ पुनि मोहि जिअत नहिं पावा॥ कहु कपि केहि बिधि राखौं प्राना। तुम्हहू तात कहत अब जाना॥ तोहि देखि सीतलि भइ छाती। पुनि मो कहुँ सोइ दिनु सो राती॥

Dohā

जनकसुतहि समुझाइ करि बहु बिधि धीरजु दीन्ह। चरन कमल सिरु नाइ कपि गवनु राम पहिं कीन्ह॥27॥

Meaning"Mother, give me some token, as Raghunath gave me (one)." Taking off her crest-jewel (chudamani) she gave it; the son of the Wind took it with joy. "Say thus, son — my obeisance; the Lord is in every way perfect. Recalling his vow of mercy to the lowly, remove, Lord, my heavy distress. Son, tell the tale of Indra's son (the crow), and remind the Lord of the might of his arrow. If the Lord come not within a month, then he will not find me alive. Tell me, monkey — by what means shall I keep my life? Now even you, son, speak of going. Seeing you my heart was cooled; (yet) again for me will be (only) that (long) day and that night." Consoling Janaki's daughter and giving her courage in many ways, the monkey bowed his head at her lotus-feet and set off toward Rama.
Dohā 28 →
Chaupāī

चलत महाधुनि गर्जेसि भारी। गर्भ स्त्रवहिं सुनि निसिचर नारी॥ नाघि सिंधु एहि पारहि आवा। सबद किलकिला कपिन्ह सुनावा॥ हरषे सब बिलोकि हनुमाना। नूतन जन्म कपिन्ह तब जाना॥ मुख प्रसन्न तन तेज बिराजा। कीन्हेसि रामचन्द्र कर काजा॥ मिले सकल अति भए सुखारी। तलफत मीन पाव जिमि बारी॥ चले हरषि रघुनायक पासा। पूँछत कहत नवल इतिहासा॥ तब मधुबन भीतर सब आए। अंगद संमत मधु फल खाए॥ रखवारे जब बरजन लागे। मुष्टि प्रहार हनत सब भागे॥

Dohā

जाइ पुकारे ते सब बन उजार जुबराज। सुनि सुग्रीव हरष कपि करि आए प्रभु काज॥28॥

MeaningAs he went he roared with a mighty sound, hearing which the demon-women miscarried. Leaping the ocean he came to this shore and gave the monkeys the shout of joy (kilkila). All rejoiced beholding Hanuman; the monkeys felt it a new birth. His face cheerful, his body shining with splendour — he had accomplished Ramachandra's work. All met him and grew very happy, as a writhing fish gets water. They went joyfully toward Raghunath, asking and telling the fresh tidings. Then they all came within the Madhuvan and, with Angad's consent, ate the honey-fruit. When the guards began to forbid them, struck with fist-blows they all fled. They all went and cried out to the prince (Sugriva), "The grove is laid waste!" Hearing it, Sugriva rejoiced — "The monkeys have done the Lord's work."
Dohā 29 →
Chaupāī

जौं न होति सीता सुधि पाई। मधुबन के फल सकहिं कि खाई॥ एहि बिधि मन बिचार कर राजा। आइ गए कपि सहित समाजा॥ आइ सबन्हि नावा पद सीसा। मिलेउ सबन्हि अति प्रेम कपीसा॥ पूँछी कुसल कुसल पद देखी। राम कृपाँ भा काजु बिसेषी॥ नाथ काजु कीन्हेउ हनुमाना। राखे सकल कपिन्ह के प्राना॥ सुनि सुग्रीव बहुरि तेहि मिलेऊ। कपिन्ह सहित रघुपति पहिं चलेऊ। राम कपिन्ह जब आवत देखा। किएँ काजु मन हरष बिसेषा॥ फटिक सिला बैठे द्वौ भाई। परे सकल कपि चरनन्हि जाई॥

Dohā

प्रीति सहित सब भेटे रघुपति करुना पुंज। पूँछी कुसल नाथ अब कुसल देखि पद कंज॥29॥

Meaning"Had they not got news of Sita, could they (dare) eat the fruit of Madhuvan?" Thus the king (Sugriva) reasoned; (then) the monkeys arrived with their company. All came and bowed their heads at his feet; the monkey-king met them all with deep love. He asked their welfare; "(All is) well, beholding your feet; by Rama's grace the work has been (specially) accomplished." "Lord, Hanuman has done the deed and saved the lives of all the monkeys." Hearing this, Sugriva embraced him again, and went with the monkeys to Raghupati. When Rama saw the monkeys coming, their task done, his heart felt special joy. The two brothers sat upon a crystal rock; all the monkeys went and fell at their feet. Raghupati, the mass of compassion, met them all with love and asked their welfare; "(All is) well now, Lord, beholding your lotus-feet."
Dohā 30 →
Chaupāī

जामवंत कह सुनु रघुराया। जा पर नाथ करहु तुम्ह दाया॥ ताहि सदा सुभ कुसल निरंतर। सुर नर मुनि प्रसन्न ता ऊपर॥ सोइ बिजई बिनई गुन सागर। तासु सुजसु त्रेलोक उजागर॥ प्रभु कीं कृपा भयउ सबु काजू। जन्म हमार सुफल भा आजू॥ नाथ पवनसुत कीन्हि जो करनी। सहसहुँ मुख न जाइ सो बरनी॥ पवनतनय के चरित सुहाए। जामवंत रघुपतिहि सुनाए॥ सुनत कृपानिधि मन अति भाए। पुनि हनुमान हरषि हियँ लाए॥ कहहु तात केहि भाँति जानकी। रहति करति रच्छा स्वप्रान की॥

Dohā

नाम पाहरु दिवस निसि ध्यान तुम्हार कपाट। लोचन निज पद जंत्रित जाहिं प्रान केहिं बाट॥30॥

MeaningJambavan said, "Listen, Raghuraja — on whom you, Lord, show grace, to him belong ever auspiciousness and unbroken welfare; gods, men and sages are pleased with him; he alone is victorious, humble, an ocean of virtues, and his fair fame lights up the three worlds. By the Lord's grace the whole work is done; our birth has become fruitful today. The deed the son of the Wind has done, Lord, cannot be told even with a thousand mouths." Jambavan related the son of the Wind's lovely exploits to Raghupati; hearing them, it greatly pleased the heart of the Ocean of Mercy, who then, rejoicing, clasped Hanuman to his heart. "Tell, son — in what manner does Janaki keep and guard her own life?" "(Your) name her watchman day and night, meditation on you the door, her eyes fettered (fixed) on her own feet — by what way could her life (escape)?"
Dohā 31 →
Chaupāī

चलत मोहि चूड़ामनि दीन्ही। रघुपति हृदयँ लाइ सोइ लीन्ही॥ नाथ जुगल लोचन भरि बारी। बचन कहे कछु जनककुमारी॥ अनुज समेत गहेहु प्रभु चरना। दीन बंधु प्रनतारति हरना॥ मन क्रम बचन चरन अनुरागी। केहि अपराध नाथ हौं त्यागी॥ अवगुन एक मोर मैं माना। बिछुरत प्रान न कीन्ह पयाना॥ नाथ सो नयनन्हि को अपराधा। निसरत प्रान करिहिं हठि बाधा॥ बिरह अगिनि तनु तूल समीरा। स्वास जरइ छन माहिं सरीरा॥ नयन स्त्रवहि जलु निज हित लागी। जरैं न पाव देह बिरहागी। सीता के अति बिपति बिसाला। बिनहिं कहें भलि दीनदयाला॥

Dohā

निमिष निमिष करुनानिधि जाहिं कलप सम बीति। बेगि चलिय प्रभु आनिअ भुज बल खल दल जीति॥31॥

Meaning"On parting she gave me the crest-jewel." Raghupati pressed it to his heart and took it. "Lord, filling both her eyes with tears, Janaka's daughter spoke some words: 'Clasp the Lord's feet with his brother — friend of the lowly, remover of the suppliant's distress; I am devoted to his feet in thought, word and deed — for what offence, Lord, have I been forsaken? One fault of mine I own — that at parting my life did not depart. But that, Lord, is the eyes' offence — they forcibly hinder the breath from going out. In the fire of separation the body is cotton, the breath the wind; in a moment the body should burn — yet the eyes shed tears for their own sake (to see him again), and so the body, though aflame, does not get to burn.'" Sita's distress is exceedingly great — better untold, O merciful-to-the-lowly. Moment by moment, O Ocean of Mercy, passes like an age (for her); come quickly, Lord, and bring her, conquering the wicked host by the might of your arm.
Dohā 32 →
Chaupāī

सुनि सीता दुख प्रभु सुख अयना। भरि आए जल राजिव नयना॥ बचन काँय मन मम गति जाही। सपनेहुँ बूझिअ बिपति कि ताही॥ कह हनुमंत बिपति प्रभु सोई। जब तव सुमिरन भजन न होई॥ केतिक बात प्रभु जातुधान की। रिपुहि जीति आनिबी जानकी॥ सुनु कपि तोहि समान उपकारी। नहिं कोउ सुर नर मुनि तनुधारी॥ प्रति उपकार करौं का तोरा। सनमुख होइ न सकत मन मोरा॥ सुनु सुत उरिन मैं नाहीं। देखेउँ करि बिचार मन माहीं॥ पुनि पुनि कपिहि चितव सुरत्राता। लोचन नीर पुलक अति गाता॥

Dohā

सुनि प्रभु बचन बिलोकि मुख गात हरषि हनुमंत। चरन परेउ प्रेमाकुल त्राहि त्राहि भगवंत॥32॥

MeaningHearing of Sita's grief, the Lord — abode of bliss — his lotus eyes filled with tears: "She to whom my course (gati) is everything in word, body and mind — should such a one even in dream meet calamity?" Hanuman said, "Lord, that alone is calamity — when your remembrance and worship cease. What count, Lord, are the demons? — conquering the foe you will bring Janaki." "Listen, monkey — there is no benefactor like you among gods, men, sages, or any embodied being. What return shall I make you? My mind cannot even face you. Listen, son — I am not freed of debt (to you); I have weighed it well within." Again and again the protector of the gods gazed at the monkey, tears in his eyes, his body deeply thrilled. Hearing the Lord's words and beholding his face and form, Hanuman, rejoicing, fell at his feet, overcome with love: "Save me, save me, O Lord!"
Dohā 33 →
Chaupāī

बार बार प्रभु चहइ उठावा। प्रेम मगन तेहि उठब न भावा॥ प्रभु कर पंकज कपि कें सीसा। सुमिरि सो दसा मगन गौरीसा॥ सावधान मन करि पुनि संकर। लागे कहन कथा अति सुंदर॥ कपि उठाइ प्रभु हृदयँ लगावा। कर गहि परम निकट बैठावा॥ कहु कपि रावन पालित लंका। केहि बिधि दहेउ दुर्ग अति बंका॥ प्रभु प्रसन्न जाना हनुमाना। बोला बचन बिगत अभिमाना॥ साखामृग के बड़ि मनुसाई। साखा तें साखा पर जाई॥ नाघि सिंधु हाटकपुर जारा। निसिचर गन बिधि बिपिन उजारा। सो सब तव प्रताप रघुराई। नाथ न कछू मोरि प्रभुताई॥

Dohā

ता कहुँ प्रभु कछु अगम नहिं जा पर तुम्ह अनुकुल। तब प्रभावँ बड़वानलहिं जारि सकइ खलु तूल॥33॥

MeaningAgain and again the Lord wished to raise him; absorbed in love, he liked not to rise. The Lord's lotus-hand upon the monkey's head — remembering that scene, Shiva (Gaurisha) is rapt; then, collecting his mind, Shankara began the most lovely tale. The Lord lifted the monkey and clasped him to his heart, and taking his hand seated him very near. "Tell, monkey — Lanka, guarded by Ravana — how did you burn that mighty fort?" Knowing the Lord pleased, Hanuman spoke words free of pride: "It is a great feat for a tree-creature — to go from branch to branch! That I leaped the ocean, burned the golden city and laid waste the demon hosts and the garden — all that is your might, Raghuraja; Lord, none of it is my greatness. To him nothing is hard, Lord, to whom you are gracious; by your power a tuft of cotton can surely burn up the submarine fire."
Dohā 34 →
Chaupāī

नाथ भगति अति सुखदायनी। देहु कृपा करि अनपायनी॥ सुनि प्रभु परम सरल कपि बानी। एवमस्तु तब कहेउ भवानी॥ उमा राम सुभाउ जेहिं जाना। ताहि भजनु तजि भाव न आना॥ यह संवाद जासु उर आवा। रघुपति चरन भगति सोइ पावा॥ सुनि प्रभु बचन कहहिं कपिबृंदा। जय जय जय कृपाल सुखकंदा॥ तब रघुपति कपिपतिहि बोलावा। कहा चलैं कर करहु बनावा॥ अब बिलंबु केहि कारन कीजे। तुरत कपिन्ह कहुँ आयसु दीजे॥ कौतुक देखि सुमन बहु बरषी। नभ तें भवन चले सुर हरषी॥

Dohā

कपिपति बेगि बोलाए आए जूथप जूथ। नाना बरन अतुल बल बानर भालु बरूथ॥34॥

Meaning"Lord, of your grace grant me unfailing devotion that gives supreme bliss." Hearing the monkey's most guileless words, the Lord said, "So be it," O Bhavani. (Says Shiva:) Uma, he who has known Rama's nature — leaving his worship, no other liking comes to him; and he in whose heart this dialogue enters gains devotion to Raghupati's feet. Hearing the Lord's words the monkey-hosts cried, "Victory, victory, victory, O gracious one, root of bliss!" Then Raghupati summoned the monkey-king and said, "Make ready to march. Why delay now? Give the monkeys the order at once." Seeing the marvel, the gods rained many flowers and went joyfully from the sky to their abodes. The monkey-king quickly summoned (them); troop on troop came — hosts of monkeys and bears of many colours and matchless strength.
Dohā 35 →
Chaupāī

प्रभु पद पंकज नावहिं सीसा। गरजहिं भालु महाबल कीसा॥ देखी राम सकल कपि सेना। चितइ कृपा करि राजिव नैना॥ राम कृपा बल पाइ कपिंदा। भए पच्छजुत मनहुँ गिरिंदा॥ हरषि राम तब कीन्ह पयाना। सगुन भए सुंदर सुभ नाना॥ जासु सकल मंगलमय कीती। तासु पयान सगुन यह नीती॥ प्रभु पयान जाना बैदेहीं। फरकि बाम अँग जनु कहि देहीं॥ जोइ जोइ सगुन जानकिहि होई। असगुन भयउ रावनहि सोई॥ चला कटकु को बरनैं पारा। गर्जहि बानर भालु अपारा॥ नख आयुध गिरि पादपधारी। चले गगन महि इच्छाचारी॥ केहरिनाद भालु कपि करहीं। डगमगाहिं दिग्गज चिक्करहीं॥

Chhanda

चिक्करहिं दिग्गज डोल महि गिरि लोल सागर खरभरे। मन हरष सभ गंधर्ब सुर मुनि नाग किन्नर दुख टरे॥ कटकटहिं मर्कट बिकट भट बहु कोटि कोटिन्ह धावहीं। जय राम प्रबल प्रताप कोसलनाथ गुन गन गावहीं॥1॥ सहि सक न भार उदार अहिपति बार बारहिं मोहई। गह दसन पुनि पुनि कमठ पृष्ट कठोर सो किमि सोहई॥ रघुबीर रुचिर प्रयान प्रस्थिति जानि परम सुहावनी। जनु कमठ खर्पर सर्पराज सो लिखत अबिचल पावनी॥2॥

Dohā

एहि बिधि जाइ कृपानिधि उतरे सागर तीर। जहँ तहँ लागे खान फल भालु बिपुल कपि बीर॥35॥

MeaningThey bowed their heads at the Lord's lotus-feet; the bears and mighty monkeys roared. Rama beheld the whole monkey army and looked on them in grace with his lotus eyes; gaining strength by Rama's grace, the monkey-chiefs became as winged mountains. Rejoicing, Rama then set out; many fair, auspicious omens occurred — for him whose whole fame is auspicious, omens at his setting forth are but fitting. Vaidehi knew of the Lord's march — her left limbs throbbed, as if to tell her; whatever omen was good for Janaki, the same was an ill omen for Ravana. The army marched, beyond all describing; countless monkeys and bears roared; nail-armed, bearing mountains and trees, moving at will, they ranged over sky and earth. The bears and monkeys made lion-roars; the elephants of the quarters reeled and trumpeted. The elephants of the quarters trumpeted, the earth shook, the mountains tossed, the oceans were in turmoil; gandharvas, gods, sages, nagas and kinnaras rejoiced, their sorrow gone. The fierce monkey-warriors gnashed their teeth, crores upon crores charging, crying "Victory to Rama," mighty and glorious Lord of Kosala, singing his hosts of virtues. The lord of serpents could not bear the noble weight; again and again bewildered, again and again he gripped (the earth) with his fangs upon the hard tortoise-back — how could it look (steady)? — as though, knowing Raghuvira's lovely march, the serpent-king were inscribing an imperishable, hallowing record on the tortoise's shell. Thus the Ocean of Mercy went and came down by the seashore; here and there the bear and monkey heroes fell to eating fruit in plenty.
Dohā 36 →
Chaupāī

उहाँ निसाचर रहहिं ससंका। जब ते जारि गयउ कपि लंका॥ निज निज गृहँ सब करहिं बिचारा। नहिं निसिचर कुल केर उबारा॥ जासु दूत बल बरनि न जाई। तेहि आएँ पुर कवन भलाई॥ दूतन्हि सन सुनि पुरजन बानी। मंदोदरी अधिक अकुलानी॥ रहसि जोरि कर पति पग लागी। बोली बचन नीति रस पागी॥ कंत करष हरि सन परिहरहू। मोर कहा अति हित हियँ धरहु॥ समुझत जासु दूत कइ करनी। स्त्रवहीं गर्भ रजनीचर धरनी॥ तासु नारि निज सचिव बोलाई। पठवहु कंत जो चहहु भलाई॥ तब कुल कमल बिपिन दुखदाई। सीता सीत निसा सम आई॥ सुनहु नाथ सीता बिनु दीन्हें। हित न तुम्हार संभु अज कीन्हें॥

Dohā

-राम बान अहि गन सरिस निकर निसाचर भेक। जब लगि ग्रसत न तब लगि जतनु करहु तजि टेक॥36॥

MeaningThere the demons dwelt in dread ever since the monkey burned Lanka and went. In their homes all reflected, "There is no saving the demon race; he whose messenger's strength cannot be described — what good in (his) lord's coming to the city?" Hearing the citizens' words from the messengers, Mandodari was greatly distressed. Rapt, she joined her hands, fell at her husband's feet and spoke words steeped in the savour of policy: "Husband, give up enmity with Hari; lay my words to heart as most beneficial. He, the mere thought of whose messenger's deeds makes the demon-women of the earth miscarry — send (back) his wife, husband, by your own minister, if you wish your good. As the frost-night is fatal to the lotus-bed, so Sita has come, fatal to your race. Hear, lord — without giving up Sita, even Shambhu and Brahma cannot work your good. Rama's arrows are like a host of serpents, the demon-throngs (mere) frogs; while (they have) not (yet) devoured (you), make the effort — give up obstinacy."
Dohā 37 →
Chaupāī

श्रवन सुनी सठ ता करि बानी। बिहसा जगत बिदित अभिमानी॥ सभय सुभाउ नारि कर साचा। मंगल महुँ भय मन अति काचा॥ जौं आवइ मर्कट कटकाई। जिअहिं बिचारे निसिचर खाई॥ कंपहिं लोकप जाकी त्रासा। तासु नारि सभीत बड़ि हासा॥ अस कहि बिहसि ताहि उर लाई। चलेउ सभाँ ममता अधिकाई॥ मंदोदरी हृदयँ कर चिंता। भयउ कंत पर बिधि बिपरीता॥ बैठेउ सभाँ खबरि असि पाई। सिंधु पार सेना सब आई॥ बूझेसि सचिव उचित मत कहहू। ते सब हँसे मष्ट करि रहहू॥ जितेहु सुरासुर तब श्रम नाहीं। नर बानर केहि लेखे माही॥

Dohā

सचिव बैद गुर तीनि जौं प्रिय बोलहिं भय आस। राज धर्म तन तीनि कर होइ बेगिहीं नास॥37॥

MeaningHearing her words, the fool, the world-renowned egoist, laughed: "A woman's nature is truly timid — even amid good fortune her weak mind feels fear. If the monkey-army comes, the wretched demons will live (well) by eating it! She whose lord (am I), at whose terror the world-guardians tremble — that his wife is afraid is great jest." So saying he laughed and clasped her to his heart, and went to the court, his attachment grown. Mandodari worried in her heart, "Fate has turned against my lord." He sat in court and got the news that the whole army had crossed the ocean. He asked the ministers, "Speak your fit counsel." They all laughed: "Be at ease and silent. You conquered gods and demons without effort; of what account are men and monkeys?" When minister, physician and guru — these three — speak pleasing words out of fear or hope of favour, then of (one's) kingdom, health and faith — these three — there is speedy ruin.
Dohā 38 →
Chaupāī

सोइ रावन कहुँ बनि सहाई। अस्तुति करहिं सुनाइ सुनाई॥ अवसर जानि बिभीषनु आवा। भ्राता चरन सीसु तेहिं नावा॥ पुनि सिरु नाइ बैठ निज आसन। बोला बचन पाइ अनुसासन॥ जौ कृपाल पूँछिहु मोहि बाता। मति अनुरुप कहउँ हित ताता॥ जो आपन चाहै कल्याना। सुजसु सुमति सुभ गति सुख नाना॥ सो परनारि लिलार गोसाईं। तजउ चउथि के चंद कि नाई॥ चौदह भुवन एक पति होई। भूतद्रोह तिष्टइ नहिं सोई॥ गुन सागर नागर नर जोऊ। अलप लोभ भल कहइ न कोऊ॥

Dohā

काम क्रोध मद लोभ सब नाथ नरक के पंथ। सब परिहरि रघुबीरहि भजहु भजहिं जेहि संत॥38॥

MeaningThat very (flattery) became Ravana's helper (to ruin); they kept extolling him to his face. Knowing it the time, Vibhishana came, bowed his head at his brother's feet, then, bowing again, sat on his seat, and, getting leave, spoke: "If, gracious one, you ask me, I say, as best I understand, what is good, brother. He who desires his own welfare — fair fame, good sense, a happy state and manifold joys — let him shun another's wife, even her brow, master, as one shuns the fourth-day moon. Were one the sole lord of the fourteen worlds, doing harm to (other) beings he cannot last. Of whatever man is an ocean of virtues and clever, none calls even a little greed good. Lust, anger, pride and greed, lord, are all the roads to hell; forsaking all, worship Raghuvira, whom the saints adore."
Dohā 39 →
Chaupāī

तात राम नहिं नर भूपाला। भुवनेस्वर कालहु कर काला॥ ब्रह्म अनामय अज भगवंता। ब्यापक अजित अनादि अनंता॥ गो द्विज धेनु देव हितकारी। कृपासिंधु मानुष तनुधारी॥ जन रंजन भंजन खल ब्राता। बेद धर्म रच्छक सुनु भ्राता॥ ताहि बयरु तजि नाइअ माथा। प्रनतारति भंजन रघुनाथा॥ देहु नाथ प्रभु कहुँ बैदेही। भजहु राम बिनु हेतु सनेही॥ सरन गएँ प्रभु ताहु न त्यागा। बिस्व द्रोह कृत अघ जेहि लागा॥ जासु नाम त्रय ताप नसावन। सोइ प्रभु प्रगट समुझु जियँ रावन॥

Dohā

बार बार पद लागउँ बिनय करउँ दससीस। परिहरि मान मोह मद भजहु कोसलाधीस॥39(क)॥ मुनि पुलस्ति निज सिष्य सन कहि पठई यह बात। तुरत सो मैं प्रभु सन कही पाइ सुअवसरु तात॥39(ख)॥

Meaning"Brother, Rama is no man or king — (he is) the Lord of the worlds, the Death even of Death, the unfailing Brahman, unborn, the Blessed One, all-pervading, unconquered, beginningless, endless. The benefactor of cows, brahmanas, the earth and the gods, the Ocean of Mercy in human form; delighter of devotees, crusher of the wicked host, protector of the Vedas and dharma — hear, brother. Giving up enmity with him, bow your head — Raghunath, remover of the suppliant's distress. Give the Lord Vaidehi, master; worship Rama, the friend without motive. One who takes his refuge the Lord forsakes not — even one stained with the sin of injuring the whole world. He whose name destroys the threefold afflictions — that very Lord is manifest (here); understand it in your heart, Ravana. Again and again I touch your feet and plead, O Ten-headed one: give up pride, delusion and arrogance, and worship the Lord of Kosala. The sage Pulastya sent this message by his own disciple; getting the good occasion, I have at once told it before the Lord, brother."
Dohā 40 →
Chaupāī

माल्यवंत अति सचिव सयाना। तासु बचन सुनि अति सुख माना॥ तात अनुज तव नीति बिभूषन। सो उर धरहु जो कहत बिभीषन॥ रिपु उतकरष कहत सठ दोऊ। दूरि न करहु इहाँ हइ कोऊ॥ माल्यवंत गृह गयउ बहोरी। कहइ बिभीषनु पुनि कर जोरी॥ सुमति कुमति सब कें उर रहहीं। नाथ पुरान निगम अस कहहीं॥ जहाँ सुमति तहँ संपति नाना। जहाँ कुमति तहँ बिपति निदाना॥ तव उर कुमति बसी बिपरीता। हित अनहित मानहु रिपु प्रीता॥ कालराति निसिचर कुल केरी। तेहि सीता पर प्रीति घनेरी॥

Dohā

तात चरन गहि मागउँ राखहु मोर दुलार। सीत देहु राम कहुँ अहित न होइ तुम्हार॥40॥

MeaningMalyavan, a very wise minister, on hearing his words felt great joy: "Brother, your younger brother is an ornament of policy; lay to heart what Vibhishana says." (Ravana cried,) "Both these fools speak of the enemy's exaltation — is there no one here? Drive them off!" Malyavan then went home; Vibhishana again said, with folded hands: "Good sense and bad sense both dwell in everyone's heart, lord — so the Puranas and Vedas declare. Where good sense, there manifold prosperity; where bad sense, there calamity in the end. Adverse bad sense has settled in your heart — you hold the beneficial harmful and the foe dear. She who is the night-of-doom for the demon race — for that Sita you have great love. Brother, clasping your feet I beg — keep my (claim on your) love; give Sita to Rama, that no harm befall you."
Dohā 41 →
Chaupāī

बुध पुरान श्रुति संमत बानी। कही बिभीषन नीति बखानी॥ सुनत दसानन उठा रिसाई। खल तोहि निकट मुत्यु अब आई॥ जिअसि सदा सठ मोर जिआवा। रिपु कर पच्छ मूढ़ तोहि भावा॥ कहसि न खल अस को जग माहीं। भुज बल जाहि जिता मैं नाही॥ मम पुर बसि तपसिन्ह पर प्रीती। सठ मिलु जाइ तिन्हहि कहु नीती॥ अस कहि कीन्हेसि चरन प्रहारा। अनुज गहे पद बारहिं बारा॥ उमा संत कइ इहइ बड़ाई। मंद करत जो करइ भलाई॥ तुम्ह पितु सरिस भलेहिं मोहि मारा। रामु भजें हित नाथ तुम्हारा॥ सचिव संग लै नभ पथ गयऊ। सबहि सुनाइ कहत अस भयऊ॥

Dohā

रामु सत्यसंकल्प प्रभु सभा कालबस तोरि। मै रघुबीर सरन अब जाउँ देहु जनि खोरि॥41॥

MeaningVibhishana spoke policy approved by the wise, the Puranas and the Vedas. Hearing it the Ten-faced one rose in fury: "Wretch, your death has now come near you! You ever live, fool, fed by me, yet, dullard, the enemy's side pleases you. Say, wretch — who in the world is there whom I have not conquered by arm-strength? Dwelling in my city you love the ascetics; fool, go join them and teach them policy!" So saying he dealt a kick; yet the younger brother clasped his feet again and again. (Says Shiva:) Uma, this is the greatness of saints — they do good even to one who does ill. "You are like a father; well have you struck me. To worship Rama is your welfare, lord." Taking his ministers he went by the sky-path, and proclaiming aloud he said this: "Rama, the Lord of true resolve, is (here); the court (of Lanka), and you, are in Death's grip. I now go to Raghuvira's refuge; lay no blame (on me)."
Dohā 42 →
Chaupāī

अस कहि चला बिभीषनु जबहीं। आयूहीन भए सब तबहीं॥ साधु अवग्या तुरत भवानी। कर कल्यान अखिल कै हानी॥ रावन जबहिं बिभीषन त्यागा। भयउ बिभव बिनु तबहिं अभागा॥ चलेउ हरषि रघुनायक पाहीं। करत मनोरथ बहु मन माहीं॥ देखिहउँ जाइ चरन जलजाता। अरुन मृदुल सेवक सुखदाता॥ जे पद परसि तरी रिषिनारी। दंडक कानन पावनकारी॥ जे पद जनकसुताँ उर लाए। कपट कुरंग संग धर धाए॥ हर उर सर सरोज पद जेई। अहोभाग्य मै देखिहउँ तेई॥

Dohā

जिन्ह पायन्ह के पादुकन्हि भरतु रहे मन लाइ। ते पद आजु बिलोकिहउँ इन्ह नयनन्हि अब जाइ॥42॥

MeaningThe very moment Vibhishana so saying set off, all (the demons) became void of life (doomed). Contempt of the holy, O Bhavani, at once works the ruin of all welfare. The moment Ravana forsook Vibhishana, that very moment the ill-fated one became bereft of glory. (Vibhishana) went joyfully toward Raghunath, making many a resolve within: "Going, I shall behold the lotus-feet, ruddy and soft, giver of joy to servants — the feet that, touched, redeemed the sage's wife and hallowed the Dandaka forest; the feet that Janaki holds to her heart, that ran upon the earth chasing the deceitful deer; the very lotus-feet that are the lotuses in Shiva's heart — by great good fortune I shall behold them. The feet whose sandals Bharata keeps (enshrined) with devoted mind — those feet I shall today behold with these eyes, going now."
Dohā 43 →
Chaupāī

एहि बिधि करत सप्रेम बिचारा। आयउ सपदि सिंधु एहिं पारा॥ कपिन्ह बिभीषनु आवत देखा। जाना कोउ रिपु दूत बिसेषा॥ ताहि राखि कपीस पहिं आए। समाचार सब ताहि सुनाए॥ कह सुग्रीव सुनहु रघुराई। आवा मिलन दसानन भाई॥ कह प्रभु सखा बूझिऐ काहा। कहइ कपीस सुनहु नरनाहा॥ जानि न जाइ निसाचर माया। कामरूप केहि कारन आया॥ भेद हमार लेन सठ आवा। राखिअ बाँधि मोहि अस भावा॥ सखा नीति तुम्ह नीकि बिचारी। मम पन सरनागत भयहारी॥ सुनि प्रभु बचन हरष हनुमाना। सरनागत बच्छल भगवाना॥

Dohā

सरनागत कहुँ जे तजहिं निज अनहित अनुमानि। ते नर पावँर पापमय तिन्हहि बिलोकत हानि॥43॥

MeaningThus making loving reflection, he came at once to this shore. The monkeys saw Vibhishana coming and took him for some special enemy spy; keeping him there they came to Sugriva and told all the news. Sugriva said, "Listen, Raghuraja — the brother of the Ten-faced one has come to meet (you)." The Lord said, "Friend, what do you advise?" The monkey-king said, "Listen, king of men — a demon's maya cannot be known; for what reason has the shape-shifter come? He has come, the fool, to learn our secrets; keep him bound — so it seems best to me." "Friend, you have weighed policy well; but my vow is to be the dispeller of the suppliant's fear." Hearing the Lord's words Hanuman rejoiced — the Lord, fond of those who seek refuge. They who forsake one come for refuge, deeming him their own foe — those men are vile and sin-laden; even to look on them is loss.
Dohā 44 →
Chaupāī

कोटि बिप्र बध लागहिं जाहू। आएँ सरन तजउँ नहिं ताहू॥ सनमुख होइ जीव मोहि जबहीं। जन्म कोटि अघ नासहिं तबहीं॥ पापवंत कर सहज सुभाऊ। भजनु मोर तेहि भाव न काऊ॥ जौं पै दुष्टहदय सोइ होई। मोरें सनमुख आव कि सोई॥ निर्मल मन जन सो मोहि पावा। मोहि कपट छल छिद्र न भावा॥ भेद लेन पठवा दससीसा। तबहुँ न कछु भय हानि कपीसा॥ जग महुँ सखा निसाचर जेते। लछिमनु हनइ निमिष महुँ तेते॥ जौं सभीत आवा सरनाई। रखिहउँ ताहि प्रान की नाई॥

Dohā

उभय भाँति तेहि आनहु हँसि कह कृपानिकेत। जय कृपाल कहि चले अंगद हनू समेत॥44॥

Meaning"Though one bear the guilt of slaying a crore of brahmanas, yet, come to my refuge, I forsake not even him. The moment a soul turns toward me, that moment the sins of a crore of births are destroyed. The sinner's nature is such by birth that my worship never pleases him; were that one (Vibhishana) truly evil-hearted, could he come before me? A man of pure mind attains me; deceit, fraud and faults please me not. The Ten-headed one has sent him to spy — even so, there is no fear or loss, monkey-king. As many demons as there are in the world, friend, Lakshmana slays as many in a moment. If, afraid, he has come for refuge, I will keep him like (my own) life." "Bring him on either ground," said the abode of mercy, smiling. "Victory to the gracious one!" — so saying they went, Angad with Hanuman.
Dohā 45 →
Chaupāī

सादर तेहि आगें करि बानर। चले जहाँ रघुपति करुनाकर॥ दूरिहि ते देखे द्वौ भ्राता। नयनानंद दान के दाता॥ बहुरि राम छबिधाम बिलोकी। रहेउ ठटुकि एकटक पल रोकी॥ भुज प्रलंब कंजारुन लोचन। स्यामल गात प्रनत भय मोचन॥ सिंघ कंध आयत उर सोहा। आनन अमित मदन मन मोहा॥ नयन नीर पुलकित अति गाता। मन धरि धीर कही मृदु बाता॥ नाथ दसानन कर मैं भ्राता। निसिचर बंस जनम सुरत्राता॥ सहज पापप्रिय तामस देहा। जथा उलूकहि तम पर नेहा॥

Dohā

श्रवन सुजसु सुनि आयउँ प्रभु भंजन भव भीर। त्राहि त्राहि आरति हरन सरन सुखद रघुबीर॥45॥

MeaningRespectfully setting the monkeys ahead, they went where Raghupati, mine of compassion, was. From afar (Vibhishana) saw the two brothers, givers of the gift of delight to the eyes; then, beholding Rama, abode of beauty, he stood transfixed, gazing unwinking, holding back the very blink. Long arms, eyes ruddy as the lotus, dark-hued body, releaser from the suppliant's fear; lion-like shoulders, a broad fair chest, a face beyond measure that bewitches even Cupid's mind. His eyes (full of) tears, his body deeply thrilled, taking courage in his mind he spoke gentle words: "Lord, I am the brother of the Ten-faced one; born in the demon race, O protector of the gods; my tamasic body is by nature fond of sin, as the owl loves the dark. Hearing your fair fame with my ears I have come, Lord, destroyer of the fear of existence; save, save (me), O reliever of distress, refuge-giving, joy-bestowing Raghuvira!"
Dohā 46 →
Chaupāī

अस कहि करत दंडवत देखा। तुरत उठे प्रभु हरष बिसेषा॥ दीन बचन सुनि प्रभु मन भावा। भुज बिसाल गहि हृदयँ लगावा॥ अनुज सहित मिलि ढिग बैठारी। बोले बचन भगत भयहारी॥ कहु लंकेस सहित परिवारा। कुसल कुठाहर बास तुम्हारा॥ खल मंडलीं बसहु दिनु राती। सखा धरम निबहइ केहि भाँती॥ मैं जानउँ तुम्हारि सब रीती। अति नय निपुन न भाव अनीती॥ बरु भल बास नरक कर ताता। दुष्ट संग जनि देइ बिधाता॥ अब पद देखि कुसल रघुराया। जौं तुम्ह कीन्ह जानि जन दाया॥

Dohā

तब लगि कुसल न जीव कहुँ सपनेहुँ मन बिश्राम। जब लगि भजत न राम कहुँ सोक धाम तजि काम॥46॥

MeaningSo saying, as (Vibhishana) made the prostration, the Lord rose at once with special joy. Hearing the humble words the Lord's mind was pleased; with his broad arms he grasped and clasped him to his heart. With his brother he met him and seated him by his side, and spoke words that dispel the devotees' fear: "Tell, lord of Lanka, with your family — is your dwelling well, in (so) ill a place? You dwell day and night amid a wicked company, friend; how can dharma be kept up? I know all your ways — you are most skilled in policy and like not unrighteousness. Better to dwell even in hell, son — but may the Creator never give the company of the wicked. Now, beholding (my) feet, all is well, Raghuraja, since you have shown grace, knowing me your servant." Till then there is no welfare for a soul, nor even in dream rest of mind, so long as it worships not Rama, giving up desire — the abode of sorrow.
Dohā 47 →
Chaupāī

तब लगि हृदयँ बसत खल नाना। लोभ मोह मच्छर मद माना॥ जब लगि उर न बसत रघुनाथा। धरें चाप सायक कटि भाथा॥ ममता तरुन तमी अँधिआरी। राग द्वेष उलूक सुखकारी॥ तब लगि बसति जीव मन माहीं। जब लगि प्रभु प्रताप रबि नाहीं॥ अब मैं कुसल मिटे भय भारे। देखि राम पद कमल तुम्हारे॥ तुम्ह कृपाल जा पर अनुकूला। ताहि न ब्याप त्रिबिध भव सूला॥ मैं निसिचर अति अधम सुभाऊ। सुभ आचरनु कीन्ह नहिं काऊ॥ जासु रूप मुनि ध्यान न आवा। तेहिं प्रभु हरषि हृदयँ मोहि लावा॥

Dohā

-अहोभाग्य मम अमित अति राम कृपा सुख पुंज। देखेउँ नयन बिरंचि सिब सेब्य जुगल पद कंज॥47॥

MeaningSo long do many wicked ones — greed, delusion, envy, arrogance and pride — dwell in the heart, as long as Raghunath dwells not in it, bearing bow, arrows and quiver at his waist. (So long) the dense night of "mine-ness" is dark, pleasing to the owls of attachment and hatred; (so long) they dwell in the creature's mind, as long as the sun of the Lord's glory has not (risen). "Now I am well, my heavy fears gone, beholding your lotus-feet, Rama. You, gracious one — whomever you favour, the threefold pangs of existence afflict him not. I am a demon, of most base nature; I never did a single good act. He whose form comes not even into sages' meditation — that Lord has joyfully clasped me to his heart." Boundless and exceeding is my good fortune, O Rama, mass of mercy and bliss — I have beheld with my eyes the two lotus-feet served even by Brahma and Shiva.
Dohā 48 →
Chaupāī

सुनहु सखा निज कहउँ सुभाऊ। जान भुसुंडि संभु गिरिजाऊ॥ जौं नर होइ चराचर द्रोही। आवे सभय सरन तकि मोही॥ तजि मद मोह कपट छल नाना। करउँ सद्य तेहि साधु समाना॥ जननी जनक बंधु सुत दारा। तनु धनु भवन सुह्रद परिवारा॥ सब कै ममता ताग बटोरी। मम पद मनहि बाँध बरि डोरी॥ समदरसी इच्छा कछु नाहीं। हरष सोक भय नहिं मन माहीं॥ अस सज्जन मम उर बस कैसें। लोभी हृदयँ बसइ धनु जैसें॥ तुम्ह सारिखे संत प्रिय मोरें। धरउँ देह नहिं आन निहोरें॥

Dohā

सगुन उपासक परहित निरत नीति दृढ़ नेम। ते नर प्रान समान मम जिन्ह कें द्विज पद प्रेम॥48॥

Meaning"Listen, friend, I tell my own nature, which Bhushundi, Shambhu and Girija know: if a man be the foe of all that moves and is unmoving, yet comes afraid, seeking my refuge, and gives up pride, delusion, deceit and the manifold frauds, I straightway make him the equal of a saint. Mother, father, brother, son, wife, body, wealth, home, friends and family — gathering the threads of love for all (these), one should twist them into a (single) cord and bind his mind to my feet. (One who is) even-sighted, without desire, with no joy, sorrow or fear in his mind — such a saint, how he dwells in my heart, as wealth dwells in a miser's! Saints like you are dear to me; not for any other's sake do I take a body." Worshippers of the (Lord) with form, intent on others' good, firm in conduct and steady in vows — those men are dear to me as life, who have love for the feet of the twice-born (brahmanas).
Dohā 49 →
Chaupāī

सुनु लंकेस सकल गुन तोरें। तातें तुम्ह अतिसय प्रिय मोरें॥ राम बचन सुनि बानर जूथा। सकल कहहिं जय कृपा बरूथा॥ सुनत बिभीषनु प्रभु कै बानी। नहिं अघात श्रवनामृत जानी॥ पद अंबुज गहि बारहिं बारा। हृदयँ समात न प्रेमु अपारा॥ सुनहु देव सचराचर स्वामी। प्रनतपाल उर अंतरजामी॥ उर कछु प्रथम बासना रही। प्रभु पद प्रीति सरित सो बही॥ अब कृपाल निज भगति पावनी। देहु सदा सिव मन भावनी॥ एवमस्तु कहि प्रभु रनधीरा। मागा तुरत सिंधु कर नीरा॥ जदपि सखा तव इच्छा नाहीं। मोर दरसु अमोघ जग माहीं॥ अस कहि राम तिलक तेहि सारा। सुमन बृष्टि नभ भई अपारा॥

Dohā

रावन क्रोध अनल निज स्वास समीर प्रचंड। जरत बिभीषनु राखेउ दीन्हेहु राजु अखंड॥49(क)॥ जो संपति सिव रावनहि दीन्हि दिएँ दस माथ। सोइ संपदा बिभीषनहि सकुचि दीन्ह रघुनाथ॥49(ख)॥

Meaning"Listen, lord of Lanka — all (these) virtues are in you; therefore you are exceedingly dear to me." Hearing Rama's words the monkey-troops all cried, "Victory to the abode of mercy!" Hearing the Lord's words, Vibhishana — finding them nectar to the ears — was not sated; he grasped the lotus-feet again and again, the boundless love not contained in his heart. "Hear, Lord, master of all that moves and is unmoving, protector of suppliants, knower of (every) heart: some former craving still lay in my heart, but it has flowed away (as) a river in love for the Lord's feet. Now, gracious one, grant me your own sanctifying devotion, ever dear to Shiva's mind." Saying "So be it," the Lord, firm in battle, at once asked for the water of the ocean: "Though, friend, it is not your wish, my darshan in the world is never fruitless." So saying, Rama made the tilak for him; a boundless rain of flowers fell from the sky. Fanning the fire of Ravana's wrath with the fierce wind of his own breath, in it Vibhishana was burning — (Rama) saved him and gave him an unbroken kingdom. The fortune Shiva gave Ravana for offering his ten heads — that same fortune Raghunath gave Vibhishana, abashed (that it was so little).
Dohā 50 →
Chaupāī

अस प्रभु छाड़ि भजहिं जे आना। ते नर पसु बिनु पूँछ बिषाना॥ निज जन जानि ताहि अपनावा। प्रभु सुभाव कपि कुल मन भावा॥ पुनि सर्बग्य सर्ब उर बासी। सर्बरूप सब रहित उदासी॥ बोले बचन नीति प्रतिपालक। कारन मनुज दनुज कुल घालक॥ सुनु कपीस लंकापति बीरा। केहि बिधि तरिअ जलधि गंभीरा॥ संकुल मकर उरग झष जाती। अति अगाध दुस्तर सब भाँती॥ कह लंकेस सुनहु रघुनायक। कोटि सिंधु सोषक तव सायक॥ जद्यपि तदपि नीति असि गाई। बिनय करिअ सागर सन जाई॥

Dohā

प्रभु तुम्हार कुलगुर जलधि कहिहि उपाय बिचारि। बिनु प्रयास सागर तरिहि सकल भालु कपि धारि॥50॥

Meaning(Such a Lord) — they who forsake him and worship another are beasts without tail or horns. Knowing him his own, (the Lord) made him his own; the Lord's nature pleased the monkey-host's mind. Then the All-knowing, dwelling in all hearts, of all forms, devoid of all and unattached, spoke words upholding policy — the Cause (of all) wearing a human form, destroyer of the demon race: "Listen, monkey-king, and hero lord of Lanka — by what means may the deep ocean be crossed, crowded with crocodiles, serpents and (many) kinds of fish, exceedingly fathomless and hard to cross in every way?" The lord of Lanka said, "Hear, Raghunath — though your arrow is the drier of a crore of oceans, yet policy is so sung: go and make entreaty to the ocean. Lord, the ocean is of your own line — pondering, he will tell a means, and without effort the whole host of bears and monkeys will cross over."
Dohā 51 →
Chaupāī

सखा कही तुम्ह नीकि उपाई। करिअ दैव जौं होइ सहाई॥ मंत्र न यह लछिमन मन भावा। राम बचन सुनि अति दुख पावा॥ नाथ दैव कर कवन भरोसा। सोषिअ सिंधु करिअ मन रोसा॥ कादर मन कहुँ एक अधारा। दैव दैव आलसी पुकारा॥ सुनत बिहसि बोले रघुबीरा। ऐसेहिं करब धरहु मन धीरा॥ अस कहि प्रभु अनुजहि समुझाई। सिंधु समीप गए रघुराई॥ प्रथम प्रनाम कीन्ह सिरु नाई। बैठे पुनि तट दर्भ डसाई॥ जबहिं बिभीषन प्रभु पहिं आए। पाछें रावन दूत पठाए॥

Dohā

सकल चरित तिन्ह देखे धरें कपट कपि देह। प्रभु गुन हृदयँ सराहहिं सरनागत पर नेह॥51॥

Meaning"Friend, you have told a good means; let it be done — if Fate be helpful." This counsel pleased not Lakshmana's mind; hearing Rama's words he felt great pain: "Lord, what reliance on Fate? Dry up the ocean — make wrath in your mind. To the coward's mind there is one support; the lazy man cries 'Fate, Fate.'" Hearing this Raghuvira laughed and said, "Even so will I do; keep your mind firm." So saying and instructing his brother, Raghuraja went near the ocean; first he made obeisance, bowing his head, then sat on the shore, spreading kusha grass. The very moment Vibhishana came to the Lord, Ravana had sent spies after (him). They saw all the doings, wearing the false form of monkeys; in their hearts they praised the Lord's virtues — his love for those who take refuge.
Dohā 52 →
Chaupāī

प्रगट बखानहिं राम सुभाऊ। अति सप्रेम गा बिसरि दुराऊ॥ रिपु के दूत कपिन्ह तब जाने। सकल बाँधि कपीस पहिं आने॥ कह सुग्रीव सुनहु सब बानर। अंग भंग करि पठवहु निसिचर॥ सुनि सुग्रीव बचन कपि धाए। बाँधि कटक चहु पास फिराए॥ बहु प्रकार मारन कपि लागे। दीन पुकारत तदपि न त्यागे॥ जो हमार हर नासा काना। तेहि कोसलाधीस कै आना॥ सुनि लछिमन सब निकट बोलाए। दया लागि हँसि तुरत छोडाए॥ रावन कर दीजहु यह पाती। लछिमन बचन बाचु कुलघाती॥

Dohā

कहेहु मुखागर मूढ़ सन मम संदेसु उदार। सीता देइ मिलेहु न त आवा काल तुम्हार॥52॥

MeaningThey openly extolled Rama's nature; in deep love their disguise was forgotten. The monkeys then knew them as the foe's spies, bound them all and brought them to Sugriva. Sugriva said, "Hear, all monkeys — maim the demons' limbs and send them (back)." Hearing Sugriva's words the monkeys ran, bound and paraded them on all four sides of the army; in many ways they began to beat them; (the spies) cried out wretchedly, yet they let them not go. "Whoever takes off our nose and ears — by him is the oath of the Lord of Kosala!" Hearing this Lakshmana called them all near and out of pity at once laughingly freed them: "Give this letter into Ravana's hand; read Lakshmana's words, O destroyer of your race. Tell aloud before the fool my generous message: give Sita and meet (us in peace), else your end has come."
Dohā 53 →
Chaupāī

तुरत नाइ लछिमन पद माथा। चले दूत बरनत गुन गाथा॥ कहत राम जसु लंकाँ आए। रावन चरन सीस तिन्ह नाए॥ बिहसि दसानन पूँछी बाता। कहसि न सुक आपनि कुसलाता॥ पुनि कहु खबरि बिभीषन केरी। जाहि मृत्यु आई अति नेरी॥ करत राज लंका सठ त्यागी। होइहि जब कर कीट अभागी॥ पुनि कहु भालु कीस कटकाई। कठिन काल प्रेरित चलि आई॥ जिन्ह के जीवन कर रखवारा। भयउ मृदुल चित सिंधु बिचारा॥ कहु तपसिन्ह कै बात बहोरी। जिन्ह के हृदयँ त्रास अति मोरी॥

Dohā

-की भइ भेंट कि फिरि गए श्रवन सुजसु सुनि मोर। कहसि न रिपु दल तेज बल बहुत चकित चित तोर॥53॥

MeaningAt once bowing their heads at Lakshmana's feet, the spies set off, recounting his (Rama's) host of virtues. Chanting Rama's fame they came to Lanka and bowed their heads at Ravana's feet. The Ten-faced one laughed and asked the matter: "Shuka, do you not tell your own welfare? Then tell the news of Vibhishana, to whom death has come very near — the fool who forsook (his) reigning over Lanka; when will the ill-fated one become an insect of the times? Then tell of the army of bears and monkeys, urged on by hard fate to come — whose lives' guardian became the soft-hearted, foolish ocean. Then tell the matter of the ascetics, who have great terror of me in their hearts — have they met (the army), or gone back hearing my fair fame? Tell — is not your mind much amazed at the enemy host's might and strength?"
Dohā 54 →
Chaupāī

नाथ कृपा करि पूँछेहु जैसें। मानहु कहा क्रोध तजि तैसें॥ मिला जाइ जब अनुज तुम्हारा। जातहिं राम तिलक तेहि सारा॥ रावन दूत हमहि सुनि काना। कपिन्ह बाँधि दीन्हे दुख नाना॥ श्रवन नासिका काटै लागे। राम सपथ दीन्हे हम त्यागे॥ पूँछिहु नाथ राम कटकाई। बदन कोटि सत बरनि न जाई॥ नाना बरन भालु कपि धारी। बिकटानन बिसाल भयकारी॥ जेहिं पुर दहेउ हतेउ सुत तोरा। सकल कपिन्ह महँ तेहि बलु थोरा॥ अमित नाम भट कठिन कराला। अमित नाग बल बिपुल बिसाला॥

Dohā

द्विबिद मयंद नील नल अंगद गद बिकटासि। दधिमुख केहरि निसठ सठ जामवंत बलरासि॥54॥

Meaning"Lord, as you have graciously asked, hear it so, giving up anger. When your brother went and met (Rama), as he went Rama at once made the tilak for him (crowned him). Hearing us (called) Ravana's spies, the monkeys bound us and gave much pain; they set to cutting our ears and noses; we were let go (only when) given Rama's oath. You asked, Lord, of Rama's army — it cannot be described with ten billion mouths. The host of bears and monkeys of many hues, with terrible faces, huge and fearsome; even he by whom the city was burned and your son slain — among all the monkeys his strength is the least. Warriors of countless names, fierce and dreadful, of the strength of countless elephants, vast and huge: Dwivida, Mainda, Nila, Nala, Angad, Gada, the dread-faced one, Dadhimukha, Kesari, the wicked Nishatha, and Jambavan, the mass of strength."
Dohā 55 →
Chaupāī

ए कपि सब सुग्रीव समाना। इन्ह सम कोटिन्ह गनइ को नाना॥ राम कृपाँ अतुलित बल तिन्हहीं। तृन समान त्रेलोकहि गनहीं॥ अस मैं सुना श्रवन दसकंधर। पदुम अठारह जूथप बंदर॥ नाथ कटक महँ सो कपि नाहीं। जो न तुम्हहि जीतै रन माहीं॥ परम क्रोध मीजहिं सब हाथा। आयसु पै न देहिं रघुनाथा॥ सोषहिं सिंधु सहित झष ब्याला। पूरहीं न त भरि कुधर बिसाला॥ मर्दि गर्द मिलवहिं दससीसा। ऐसेइ बचन कहहिं सब कीसा॥ गर्जहिं तर्जहिं सहज असंका। मानहु ग्रसन चहत हहिं लंका॥

Dohā

-सहज सूर कपि भालु सब पुनि सिर पर प्रभु राम। रावन काल कोटि कहु जीति सकहिं संग्राम॥55॥

Meaning"These monkeys are all the equals of Sugriva; who can count the crores (more) like them? By Rama's grace their strength is matchless; they reckon the three worlds as a straw. So I have heard with my ears, Ten-headed one — eighteen padmas of monkey troop-leaders. Lord, there is not in the army that monkey who would not conquer you in battle. In utmost wrath they all wring their hands, but Raghunath gives not the order; (else) they would dry up the ocean with its fish and serpents, or fill it brimful with huge mountains; they would crush the Ten-headed one and grind him to dust — such words all the monkeys say. They roar and threaten, fearless by nature, as though they would devour Lanka. Heroes by nature are all the monkeys and bears, and over their heads is the Lord Rama; they could win in battle even a crore of Deaths, let alone Ravana."
Dohā 56 →
Chaupāī

राम तेज बल बुधि बिपुलाई। सेष सहस सत सकहिं न गाई॥ सक सर एक सोषि सत सागर। तब भ्रातहि पूँछेउ नय नागर॥ तासु बचन सुनि सागर पाहीं। मागत पंथ कृपा मन माहीं॥ सुनत बचन बिहसा दससीसा। जौं असि मति सहाय कृत कीसा॥ सहज भीरु कर बचन दृढ़ाई। सागर सन ठानी मचलाई॥ मूढ़ मृषा का करसि बड़ाई। रिपु बल बुद्धि थाह मैं पाई॥ सचिव सभीत बिभीषन जाकें। बिजय बिभूति कहाँ जग ताकें॥ सुनि खल बचन दूत रिस बाढ़ी। समय बिचारि पत्रिका काढ़ी॥ रामानुज दीन्ही यह पाती। नाथ बचाइ जुड़ावहु छाती॥ बिहसि बाम कर लीन्ही रावन। सचिव बोलि सठ लाग बचावन॥

Dohā

बातन्ह मनहि रिझाइ सठ जनि घालसि कुल खीस। राम बिरोध न उबरसि सरन बिष्नु अज ईस॥56(क)॥ की तजि मान अनुज इव प्रभु पद पंकज भृंग। होहि कि राम सरानल खल कुल सहित पतंग॥56(ख)॥

Meaning"Rama's splendour, strength and abundance of wisdom — a hundred thousand Sheshas cannot sing. With one arrow he can dry a hundred oceans; yet, skilled in policy, he asked his brother. Hearing his (Vibhishana's) words he begs a path from the ocean, mercy in his mind." Hearing this the Ten-faced one laughed: "If such be his wit, and he made a monkey his helper! Confirming the words of the timid-by-nature (Vibhishana), he has set up a fuss with the ocean. Fool, why make false praise? I have found the depth of the foe's might and wit. He whose minister, Vibhishana, is fearful — where in the world is victory and glory for him?" Hearing the wretch's words, the spy's anger rose; judging the time, he drew the letter: "Rama's brother gave this letter; lord, having it read, cool your breast." Laughing, Ravana took it in his left hand and, summoning his minister, the fool set about reading it. "By pleasing yourself with mere words, fool, do not bring your race to ruin; opposing Rama you escape not, even taking refuge with Vishnu, Brahma or Shiva. Either, giving up pride, be a bee at the Lord's lotus-feet like (his) brother; or, O wretch, be — with your race — a moth in the fire of Rama's arrows."
Dohā 57 →
Chaupāī

सुनत सभय मन मुख मुसुकाई। कहत दसानन सबहि सुनाई॥ भूमि परा कर गहत अकासा। लघु तापस कर बाग बिलासा॥ कह सुक नाथ सत्य सब बानी। समुझहु छाड़ि प्रकृति अभिमानी॥ सुनहु बचन मम परिहरि क्रोधा। नाथ राम सन तजहु बिरोधा॥ अति कोमल रघुबीर सुभाऊ। जद्यपि अखिल लोक कर राऊ॥ मिलत कृपा तुम्ह पर प्रभु करिही। उर अपराध न एकउ धरिही॥ जनकसुता रघुनाथहि दीजे। एतना कहा मोर प्रभु कीजे। जब तेहिं कहा देन बैदेही। चरन प्रहार कीन्ह सठ तेही॥ नाइ चरन सिरु चला सो तहाँ। कृपासिंधु रघुनायक जहाँ॥ करि प्रनामु निज कथा सुनाई। राम कृपाँ आपनि गति पाई॥ रिषि अगस्ति कीं साप भवानी। राछस भयउ रहा मुनि ग्यानी॥ बंदि राम पद बारहिं बारा। मुनि निज आश्रम कहुँ पगु धारा॥

Dohā

बिनय न मानत जलधि जड़ गए तीन दिन बीति। बोले राम सकोप तब भय बिनु होइ न प्रीति॥57॥

MeaningHearing it, afraid in mind but smiling with his mouth, the Ten-faced one said, making all hear: "Fallen on the ground he clutches at the sky — such is the petulant sport of the little ascetic!" Shuka said, "Lord, all the words are true; understand, giving up your egoistic nature. Hear my words, casting off anger; lord, give up enmity with Rama. Most tender is Raghuvira's nature, though he is king of all the worlds; on (your) meeting he will show you grace, and hold not even one offence in his heart. Give Janaka's daughter to Raghunath; this much of my (word), lord, do." When he said to give Vaidehi, the fool dealt him a kick. Bowing his head at (Ravana's) feet, he went where the Ocean of Mercy, Raghunath, was; making obeisance he told his tale, and by Rama's grace regained his own form. By the curse of the sage Agastya, O Bhavani, he had become a demon — (in truth) a wise sage; worshipping Rama's feet again and again, the sage set out for his own hermitage. (Meanwhile) the dull ocean heeded not entreaty; three days passed; then Rama spoke wrathfully — without fear there is no love (compliance).
Dohā 58 →
Chaupāī

लछिमन बान सरासन आनू। सोषौं बारिधि बिसिख कृसानू॥ सठ सन बिनय कुटिल सन प्रीती। सहज कृपन सन सुंदर नीती॥ ममता रत सन ग्यान कहानी। अति लोभी सन बिरति बखानी॥ क्रोधिहि सम कामिहि हरि कथा। ऊसर बीज बएँ फल जथा॥ अस कहि रघुपति चाप चढ़ावा। यह मत लछिमन के मन भावा॥ संघानेउ प्रभु बिसिख कराला। उठी उदधि उर अंतर ज्वाला॥ मकर उरग झष गन अकुलाने। जरत जंतु जलनिधि जब जाने॥ कनक थार भरि मनि गन नाना। बिप्र रूप आयउ तजि माना॥

Dohā

काटेहिं पइ कदरी फरइ कोटि जतन कोउ सींच। बिनय न मान खगेस सुनु डाटेहिं पइ नव नीच॥58॥

Meaning"Lakshmana, bring bow and arrows; I will dry up the ocean with fire-arrows. Entreaty to a fool, love to the crooked, fine policy to the born-miser, the tale of knowledge to one steeped in attachment, the praise of dispassion to the greedy, talk of Hari to the wrathful and the lustful — (all these are) like (sowing) seed in barren soil, for fruit." So saying Raghupati strung his bow; this counsel pleased Lakshmana's mind. The Lord fitted the dreadful arrow; a flame arose within the ocean's breast. The crocodiles, serpents and shoals of fish grew distraught; when the ocean knew its creatures burning, taking a brahmana's form and filling a golden tray with manifold gems, he came, giving up pride. The plantain bears fruit only on being cut, though one water it with a crore of efforts; entreaty he heeds not — hear, king of birds — but the base (yield) only on being chidden.
Dohā 59 →
Chaupāī

सभय सिंधु गहि पद प्रभु केरे। छमहु नाथ सब अवगुन मेरे॥ गगन समीर अनल जल धरनी। इन्ह कइ नाथ सहज जड़ करनी॥ तव प्रेरित मायाँ उपजाए। सृष्टि हेतु सब ग्रंथनि गाए॥ प्रभु आयसु जेहि कहँ जस अहई। सो तेहि भाँति रहे सुख लहई॥ प्रभु भल कीन्ही मोहि सिख दीन्ही। मरजादा पुनि तुम्हरी कीन्ही॥ ढोल गवाँर सूद्र पसु नारी। सकल ताड़ना के अधिकारी॥ प्रभु प्रताप मैं जाब सुखाई। उतरिहि कटकु न मोरि बड़ाई॥ प्रभु अग्या अपेल श्रुति गाई। करौं सो बेगि जौ तुम्हहि सोहाई॥

Dohā

सुनत बिनीत बचन अति कह कृपाल मुसुकाइ। जेहि बिधि उतरै कपि कटकु तात सो कहहु उपाइ॥59॥

MeaningAfraid, the ocean grasped the Lord's feet: "Forgive, Lord, all my faults. Sky, wind, fire, water and earth — their nature, Lord, is dull (inert) by birth; impelled by your Maya they were created for (the purpose of) creation, so all the scriptures sing. Whatever the Lord's command for each is, in that way each abides and gains happiness. The Lord has done well, has given me instruction; yet you also have fixed this bound (maryada) of yours: the drum, the rustic, the shudra, the beast and the woman — all are fit objects of taadana (handling / correction). By the Lord's might I shall be dried up, and the army will cross — but it is not my greatness. The Lord's command is irresistible, the Vedas sing; I will quickly do whatever pleases you." Hearing his most humble words the gracious one said, smiling, "By whatever means the monkey army may cross over, son, tell that means."
Dohā 60 →
Chaupāī

नाथ नील नल कपि द्वौ भाई। लरिकाई रिषि आसिष पाई॥ तिन्ह के परस किएँ गिरि भारे। तरिहहिं जलधि प्रताप तुम्हारे॥ मैं पुनि उर धरि प्रभुताई। करिहउँ बल अनुमान सहाई॥ एहि बिधि नाथ पयोधि बँधाइअ। जेहिं यह सुजसु लोक तिहुँ गाइअ॥ एहि सर मम उत्तर तट बासी। हतहु नाथ खल नर अघ रासी॥ सुनि कृपाल सागर मन पीरा। तुरतहिं हरी राम रनधीरा॥ देखि राम बल पौरुष भारी। हरषि पयोनिधि भयउ सुखारी॥ सकल चरित कहि प्रभुहि सुनावा। चरन बंदि पाथोधि सिधावा॥

Chhanda

निज भवन गवनेउ सिंधु श्रीरघुपतिहि यह मत भायऊ। यह चरित कलि मलहर जथामति दास तुलसी गायऊ॥ सुख भवन संसय समन दवन बिषाद रघुपति गुन गना॥ तजि सकल आस भरोस गावहि सुनहि संतत सठ मना॥

Dohā

सकल सुमंगल दायक रघुनायक गुन गान। सादर सुनहिं ते तरहिं भव सिंधु बिना जलजान॥60॥

Meaning"Lord, Nila and Nala, two monkey brothers, got a sage's blessing in childhood: at their touch even heavy mountains will float on the sea, by your might. And I too, bearing your sovereignty in my heart, will help according to my strength. In this way, Lord, let the ocean be bridged, that this fair fame be sung in (all) three worlds. By this arrow, Lord, slay the sinners — the heaps of evil men — dwelling on my northern shore." Hearing it, the gracious one, firm in battle, at once removed the ocean's heart-pain. Beholding Rama's great strength and prowess, the ocean rejoiced and grew happy; telling all his tale to the Lord and worshipping his feet, the ocean departed. The ocean went to his own abode; this counsel pleased Shri Raghupati. This deed, remover of the impurities of the Kali age, has the servant Tulsidas sung to the best of his wit — abode of bliss, queller of doubt, destroyer of sorrow: (the singing of) Raghupati's hosts of virtues. Giving up all (other) hope and reliance, sing and ever hear it, O foolish mind. The singing of Raghunayaka's virtues, giver of all auspicious blessings — they who hear it with reverence cross the ocean of existence without a ship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sundarkand?▼
The Sundarkand (Sundar Kand) is the fifth book (kand) of Goswami Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas, composed in Awadhi. It narrates Hanuman’s leap across the ocean to Lanka, his finding of Sita in the Ashok Vatika, the burning of Lanka, and his return with news of her — the one kand in which the hero is the devotee Hanuman. It is the most widely recited portion of the Ramcharitmanas, traditionally read as a parayan for courage, success and the removal of obstacles.
Why is the Sundarkand recited for success and obstacles?▼
Because it is the kand of accomplishment: Hanuman, the embodiment of devotion and strength, achieves the seemingly impossible — crossing the ocean, finding Sita and returning safe. Devotees recite it (especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and during Hanuman worship) to invoke that same courage and success, and to clear difficulties from their own lives.
How should the Sundarkand be recited?▼
A traditional parayan opens with the three Sanskrit invocation verses (“Shantam shashvatam…”), then proceeds through the chaupais and dohas in order, and closes with the aarti of Lord Ram or Hanuman. Many devotees complete the whole Sundarkand in one sitting; reading it with its meaning deepens the devotion (bhava).